THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 


THE  COLLECTION  OF 
NORTH  CAROLINIANA 


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CONSTITUTION 

AND 

BY-LAWS 

OF  THE 

Grand  Royal  Arch 
Chapter 

OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 


ADOPTED  MAY  9th 

1906 

WITH  AMENDMENTS  TO  1916 


1916 

QUEEN   CITY  PRINTING   COMPANY 

CHARLOTTE.  N.  C. 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter 

OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 


ARTICLE  I 

HOW   CONSTITUTED 

Section  1.  This  Grand  Chapter  shall  be  known  by  the  name 
and  style  of  "The  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  the  State  of 
North  Carolina." 

Sec.  2.     This  Grand  Chapter  shall  consist 

1st.    Of  the  following  officers,  that  is  to  say, 

The  Grand  High  Priest, 

Deputy  Grand  High  Priest, 

Grand  King, 

Grand  Scribe, 

Grand  Treasurer, 

Grand  Secretary, 

Grand  Captain  of  the  Host, 

Grand  Principal  Sojourner, 

Grand  Royal  Arch  Captain, 
J^  Grand  Master  of  the  Third  Veil, 

g«  Grand  Master  of  the  Second  Veil, 

4}  Grand  Master  of  the  First  Veil, 

fc«»  Grand  Sentinel. 

bo 


Constitution  and  By-Laws 


2nd.    Of  the 


Past  Grand  High  Priests, 
Past  Deputy  Grand  High  Priests, 
Past  Grand  Kings, 
Past  Grand  Scribes, 

of  this  Grand  Chapter,  so  long  as  they  remain  members  of 
Chapters  under  this  Grand  Chapter. 

3rd.    Of  the 

Pligh  Priest, 

King, 

Scribe, 

of  each  Chartered  Chapter  working  under  this  Grand  Chapter. 

4th.  Of  all  Past  High  Priests  of  Chapters  working  under 
this  Grand  Chapter,  so  long  as  they  remain  members  of  Chap- 
ters in  this  jurisdiction. 


ARTICLE  II 

PROXIES 

Section  1.  The  High  Priest,  King  or  Scribe  of  any  Chap- 
ter, or  either  of  them,  may  appoint  any  member  of  his  own 
Chapter  as  his  proxy  to  represent  him  in  the  Grand  Chap- 
ter. Such  proxy  shall  be  in  writing  and  signed  by  the  officer 
appointing  him. 


ARTICLE  III 

ANNUAL  CONVOCATION 

Section  1.  This  Grand  Chapter  shall  hold  an  Annual 
Convocation  at  such  time  and  place  as  shall  be  provided  in 
the  by-laws. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  5 

ARTICLE  IV 
officers 

Section  1.  The  elective  officers  of  this  Grand  Chapter 
shall  severally  be  elected  by  ballot,  and  by  a  majority  of  the 
votes  cast  for  that  purpose,  at  each  Annual  Convocation  of 
this  Grand  Chapter. 

Sec.  2.  The  appointive  officers  of  this  Grand  Chapter  shall 
be  appointed  by  the  Grand  High  Priest  immediately  preceding 
his  installation. 

ARTICLE  V 

VOTING 

Section  1.  In  all  questions  in  the  Grand  Chapter,  each 
member  has  one  vote  and  no  more :  Provided,  That  in  the 
election  of  officers  if  a  High  Priest,  King  or  Scribe  is  not 
present  in  person  or  by  proxy,  his  vote  may  be  cast  by  the 
senior  officer  present. 

ARTICLE  VI 

POWERS  OF  THE  GRAND  CHAPTER 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  the  State 
of  North  Carolina  is  the  highest  source  of  authority  in  Royal 
Arch  Masonry  within  said  State.  It  claims,  and  of  right 
enjoys,  the  sole  government  and  superintendence  of  all 
Chapters  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  within  said  jurisdiction. 

Sec.  2.  It  may  grant  Charters  and  Dispensations  for  hold- 
ing regular  Chapters  of  Royal  Arch  Masons,  with  the  right 
to  confer  therein  the  several  degrees  of  Masonry,  denominated 
Mark  Master,  Past  Master,  Most  Excellent  Master  and  Royal 
Arch  Mason,  and  when  deemed  expedient  and  for  good  cause 
may  annul,  revoke  or  amend  such  Charter  or  Dispensation,  or 
any  pre-existing  Charter  or  Dispensation. 

Sec.  3.  It  may  assign  the  limits  of  each  Chapter  under  its 
jurisdiction,   and   settle   all   controversies   that   may  arise   be- 


6  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

tween  them ;  and  it  has  final  decision  and  determination  of 
all  matters  of  controversy  and  grievances  that  may  be  brought 
up  by  appeal  or  otherwise. 

Sec.  4.  It  may  reprimand,  suspend  or  expel  from  its 
own  body  any  member  for  a  violation  of  this  Constitution  or 
the  By-Laws  and  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Chapter. 

Sec.  5.  It  may  assess  and  collect  from  the  several  Chap- 
ters under  its  jurisdiction  such  sums  of  money,  annually,  as 
may  from  time  to  time  be  found  necessary  for  the  support 
and  maintenance  of  the  Grand  Chapter. 

Sec  6.  It  may  supervise  the  state  and  condition  of  its 
own  finances,  and  adopt  such  measures  in  relation  thereto  as 
may  be  for  the  good  of  the  Order. 

Sec.  7.  It  may  make  and  adopt  laws  and  general  regula- 
tions for  the  government  of  the  Chapters  under  its  jurisdic- 
tion, and  at  pleasure  alter,  amend  or  repeal  the  same. 

Sec.  8.  It  shall,  at  each  Annual  Convocation,  consider  and 
review  the  reports  and  doings  of  the  Grand  Officers  for  the 
preceding  year,  as  well  as  those  of  the  several  Chapters  under 
its  jurisdiction. 

Sec.   9.  It   may   consider   and   do   all,   whatsoever   it  may 

regard   as  necessary   or  appertaining  to   the   well   being  and 

perpetuity  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry  in  the  State  of  North 
Carolina. 

ARTICLE  VII 

alteration  or  amendment 

Section  1.  Any  alteration  or  amendment  of  this  Constitu- 
tion shall  be  proposed  in  writing,  at  an  Annual  Convocation, 
shall  lie  over  until  the  next  Annual  Convocation,  and  be  pub- 
lished with  the  proceedings ;  when,  if  adopted  by  an  affirmative 
vote  of  not  less  than  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  the 
.same  shall  become  a  part  of  this  Constitution,  and  not  other- 
wise. 


BY-LAWS 

OF  THE 

Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter 

OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 


ARTICLE  I 
CONVOCATIONS  OF  THE  GRAND  CHAPTER 

ANNUAL,    CONVOCATIONS 

Section  1.  The  Annual  Convocation  of  this  Grand  Chap- 
ter shall  be  held  at  such  time  and  place  as  each  preceding" 
Annual  Convocation  shall  determine :  Provided,  That  the 
Grand  High  Priest,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of 
the  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest,  Grand  King  and  Grand  Scribe, 
or  any  two  of  them,  shall  have  the  power  to  change  the  time  or 
place  of  holding  the  next  Annual  Convocation,  when  in  their 
opinion  circumstances  demand  it. 

SPECIAL    CONVOCATIONS 

Sec.  2.  Special  Convocations  of  the  Grand  Chapter  may 
be  held  at  such  times  and  at  such  places  as  the  Grand  High 
Priest  may  designate,  due  notice  thereof  having  been  given  to 
each  Chapter  and  to  each  officer  of  the  Grand  Chapter;  but  no 
business  shall  be  transacted  at  a  Special  Convocation  except 
that  specified  in  the  original  notice  or  call. 

QUORUM 

Sec.  3.  At  any  Annual  or  Special  Convocation  of  this 
Grand  Chapter,  it  shall  require  the  representatives  of  not  less 


8  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

than  five  Chapters  to  be  present  to  form  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business. 

ABSENCE  OF  FIRST   FOUR  OFFICERS 

Sec.  4.  At  any  Convocation  or  session  of  the  Grand  Chap- 
ter, should  all  of  the  first  four  elective  Grand  Officers  be 
absent,  the  Junior  Past  Grand  High  Priest  shall  be  empowered 
to  open  and  preside ;  and  in  the  event  that  no  Past  Grand 
High  Priest  qualified  to  preside  be  present,  the  High  Priest 
of  the  senior  Chapter  present  shall  take  the  chair  as  acting 
Grand  High  Priest. 

FISCAE  YEAR 

Sec.  5.  The  fiscal  year  of  the  Grand  Chapter  shall  end  on 
the  first  day  of  the  month  in  which  the  Annual  Convocation 
is  held  in  each  year,  and  the  books  and  accounts  of  the  Grand 
Chapter  shall  be  closed  and  balanced  as  of  that  date. 

ARTICLE  II 
GRAND  OFFICERS 
WHO    ARE    EEIGIBEE 

Section  1.  No  Companion  shall  be  eligible  to  office  in  this 
Grand  Chapter  who  is  not  at  the  time  of  his  election  or  appoint- 
ment a  member  in  good  standing  of  a  Chapter  in  this  juris- 
diction :  Provided,  No  Companion  shall  be  eligible  to  election 
as  Grand  High  Priest,  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest,  Grand  King 
or  Grand  Scribe,  who  has  not  been  elected,  installed  and  pre- 
sided over  a  Royal  Arch  Chapter  in  this  Grand  Jurisdiction. 

NOT  TO   SERVE  AS   OFFICERS  OF   CHAPTER 

Sec.  2.  Neither  of  the  first  four  Grand  Officers  while  in 
office  shall  serve  as  High  Priest,  King  or  Scribe  of  a  Subor- 
dinate Chapter. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  9 

ELECTIONS 

Sec.  3.  The  election  of  officers  of  this  Grand  Chapter  shall 
be  held  at  the  second  session  of  each  Annual  Convocation. 

ELECTIVE   OFFICERS 

Sec.  4.    The  elective  officers  of  this  Grand  Chapter  shall  be  a 

Grand  High  Priest, 

Deputy  Grand  High  Priest, 

Grand  King, 

Grand  Scribe, 

Grand  Treasurer, 

Grand  Secretary, 

Grand  Captain  of  the  Host,  . 

Grand  Principal  Sojourner, 

Grand  Royal  Arch  Captain, 

Grand  Master  of  the  Third  Veil, 

Grand  Master  of  the  Second  Veil, 

Grand  Master  of  the  First  Veil. 

APPOINTIVE  OFFICERS 

Sec.  5.  The  appointive  officers  of  this  Grand  Chapter  shall 
be  a 

Grand  Lecturer, 
Grand  Chaplain, 
Grand  Sentinel, 
Grand  Librarian. 

Sec.  6.  The  title  of  the  Grand  High  Priest  is  "Most  Ex- 
cellent," that  of  the  remaining  elective  officers,  "Right  Excel- 
lent," and  that  of  the  appointive  officers,  "Excellent." 

INSTALLATION 

Sec.  7.  The  officers  of  this  Grand  Chapter  shall  not  be 
installed  until  all  other  business  before  the  Grand  Chapter 
has  been  entirely  disposed  of,  except  the  appointment  of  com- 
mittees and  the  reading  and  approval  of  the  minutes. 


10  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

ARTICLE  III 
POWERS  AND  DUTIES  OF  GRAND  OFFICERS 

GRAND    HIGH    PRIEST — GENERAL    DUTIES 

Section  1.  The  Grand  High  Priest  by  virtue  of  his  office 
has  a  watchful  care  and  supervision  over  the  Chapters  in  this 
jurisdiction,  and  it  is  his  duty  to  see  that  the  Constitution, 
Laws  and  Edicts  of  the  Grand  Chapter  are  strictly  and  prompt- 
ly obeyed. 

dispensations 

Sec.  2.  He  has  authority  during  the  recess  of  the  Grand 
Chapter  to  grand  Letters  of  Dispensation  to  a  competent  num- 
ber of  petitioners  residing  in  this  jurisdiction  and  possessing 
the  legal  qualifications,  empowering  them  to  form  a  Chapter 
of  Royal  Arch  Masons ;  such  Dispensation  to  be  in  force  until 
the  next  Annual  Convocation  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  unless  by 
him  revoked  for  good  cause :  Provided,  no  dispensation  shall 
be  issued  within  three  months  prior  to  the  Annual  Convocation. 

institute  new   chapters 
Sec.  3.     He  shall,  either  in  person  or  by  proxy,  by  him  com- 
missioned for  the  purpose,  institute  and  set  to  work  all  Chap- 
ters under  Dispensation. 

CONVENE    CHAPTERS 

Sec.  4.  He  may  convene  Chapters  at  pleasure,  preside 
therein,  inspect  their  books,  records  and  work,  and  give  such 
instructions  relative  to  the  same  as  may  be  necessary  to  insure 
a  strict  conformity  to  the  Constitution,  Laws  and  Edicts  of 
this  Grand  Chapter. 

OFFICIAL,   DECISIONS 

Sec.  5.  He  may  render  official  decisions  which  shall  be 
binding  only  until  the  next  Annual  Convocation  of  the  Grand 
Chapter. 

arrest  charter 
Sec.  6.     He  has  the  power,  for  good  cause,  to  suspend  the 
labors  of  a  Chapter,  and  if  he  deems  it  necessary,  to  arrest  its 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  11 

Charter  until  the  next  Annual  Convocation  of  the  Grand  Chap- 
ter. 

APPOINTMENTS 

Sec.  7.  He  shall  appoint  all  Standing  Committees  and  all 
Special  Committees  whose  appointment  is  not  otherwise  pro- 
vided for. 

REPRESENTATIVES 

Sec.  8.  He  may  appoint  Representatives  of  this  Grand 
Chapter  near  other  Grand  Chapters  and  may  receive  and  ac- 
credit Representatives  of  such  other  Grand  Chapters  near  this 
Grand  Chapter,  such  commissions  to  expire  at  the  succeeding 
Triennial  Convocation  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter. 

DISPENSATIONS 

Sec.  9.  He  may  grant  such  Dispensations  as  are  authorized 
by  the  laws  of  this  Grand  Chapter. 

SUSPEND   GRAND   OFFICER 

Sec.  10.  He  may,  for  good  cause,  and  with  the  written 
concurrence  of  the  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest,  Grand  King 
and  Grand  Scribe,  or  any  two  of  them,  suspend  from  office 
any  officer  of  the  Grand  Chapter  until  the  next  Annual  Con- 
vocation. 

SUSPEND  OFFICER  OF  CHAPTER 

Sec.  11.  He  may  suspend  from  office  any  officer  of  a 
Chapter,  subject  to  the  decision  of  the  Grand  Chapter  at  its 
next  Annual  Convocation,  to  which  he  shall  report  his  action, 
with  the  reasons  therefor,  and  a  detailed  statement  of  the  facts. 

ANNUAL   ADDRESS 

Sec.  12.  At  the  opening  of  each  Annual  Convocation  he 
shall  make  a  written  report  to  the  Grand  Chapter  of  his  official 
acts  and  doings,  and  such  other  matters  as  he  may  deem  neces- 
sary for  the  consideration  of  the  Grand  Chapter. 


12  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

other  duties 

Sec.  13.  He  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  the  nature 
of  his  station  may  require,  or  the  ceremonies  and  ritual  of  the 
Royal  Craft  may  impose. 

DEPUTY  GRAND  HIGH  PRIEST 
TOWERS  AND  DUTIES 

Sec.  14.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest 
to  counsel,  aid  and  support  the  Grand  High  Priest  in  his  official 
duties,  and  in  the  event  of  his  absence  or  inability  to  attend 
any  Convocation,  to  preside  over  the  Grand  Chapter ;  and  in 
the  event  of  the  death,  absence,  other  than  temporary,  from  the 
jurisdiction,  or  if  from  any  reason  the  Grand  High  Priest  shall 
be  unable  to  discharge  the  duties  of  his  office,  then  the  powers 
and  duties  of  that  office  shall  devolve  on  the  Deputy  Grand 
High  Priest. 

GRAND  KING  AND  GRAND  SCRIBE 

DUTIES 

Sec.  15.  In  the  event  of  the  inability  of  their  respective 
superiors  to  perform  their  duties,  the  Grand  King  and  Grand 
Scribe  shall  severally,  in  order,  according  to  rank,  perform 
the  duties  of  Grand  High  Priest.  At  all  other  times  they  shall 
perform  such  duties  as  may  be  assigned  them  by  the  Grand 
High  Priest,  or  such  as  are  traditionally  appropriate  to  their 
respective  stations. 

MAY  PRESIDE  IN  CHAPTERS 

Sec.  16.  The  Grand  High  Priest,  Deputy  Grand  High 
Priest,  Grand  King  and  Grand  Scribe,  severally,  have  the 
right  to  preside  in  any  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction,  and  to 
give  such  instructions  and  directions  as  the  good  of  the  Order 
may  demand,  taking  care  always  to  adhere  to  the  Ancient 
Landmarks,  and  the  Constitution,  Laws  and  Edicts  of  this 
Grand  Chapter. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  13 

GRAND  TREASURER 

DUTIES 

Sec.  17.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Treasurer  to  receive 
all  moneys  from  the  hands  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  give 
his  receipt  therefor,  being  careful  to  make  due  entries  of  the 
same  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose.  He  shall  pay  all 
orders  drawn  on  him  by  the  Grand  Secretary.  He  shall,  at  the 
first  session  of  each  Annual  Convocation  of  the  Grand  Chapter, 
report  in  writing  a  full  account  of  all  moneys  received  and  paid 
out  by  him  during  the  past  year,  stating  the  balance  remaining 
on  hand. 

BOND 

Sec  18.  He  shall  annually  execute  a  bond  in  some  surety 
company  to  the  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  North  Caro- 
lina, to  be  approved  by  the  Grand  High  Priest,  conditioned 
for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duties,  in  such  amount  as 
the  Grand  High  Priest  fixes ;  the  premium  of  such  bond  to 
be  paid  by  the  Grand  Chapter. 

SHALE  DELIVER  TO  HIS  SUCCESSOR 

Sec.  19.  At  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office  he  shall 
deliver  over  to  his  successor  all  moneys,  books,  papers  and 
other  property  belonging  to  the  Grand  Chapter  that  may  be 
in  his  hands  or  under  his  control  as  such  Grand  Treasurer. 

GRAND  SECRETARY 
DUTIES 

Sec.  20.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Secretary  to  attend 
all  Convocations  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  keep  a  true  and  faith- 
ful record  of  its  proceedings,  furnish  a  copy  thereof,  and 
superintend  the  printing  of  the  same  immediately  after  the 
close  of  each  Annual  Convocation.  He  shall  keep  a  book  in 
which  he  shall  have  recorded  all  Charters  for  organizing  new 
Chapters,  that  may  be  issued  by  authority  of  this  Grand  Chap- 
ter, and  procure  and  keep  all  such  other  books  and  stationery 
necessary  for  his  office  and  for  the  use  of  the  Grand  Chapter. 


14  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

collect   moneys make   report 

Sec  21.  He  shall  collect  all  moneys  due  the  Grand  Chap- 
ter and  pay  the  same  immediately  over  to  the  Grand  Treas- 
urer, taking  his  receipt  therefor,  and  at  the  first  session  of 
each  Annual  Convocation,  report  in  writing,  to  the  Grand 
Chapter,  a  full  and  clear  statement  of  all  moneys  received 
and  paid  over  to  the  Grand  Treasurer ;  all  warrants  drawn 
on  the  Grand  Treasurer  specifically  stating  all  amounts  due 
and  unpaid  from  Subordinate  Chapters,  keeping  a  ledger  for 
that  purpose ;  and  the  length  of  time  any  Chapter  may  not 
have  been  represented  in  the  Grand  Chapter. 

WARRANTS — PROCEEDINGS 

Sec.  22.  He  shall  make  out  and  sign  all  warrants  on  the 
Grand  Treasurer.  He  shall  keep  the  seal  of  the  Grand  Chap- 
ter and  affix  the  same  to  all  charters,  dispensations,  communi- 
cations, records  and  other  documents  proper  to  be  sealed  and 
certified.  He  shall  from  time  to  time,  regularly  transmit  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  several  Grand  Chapters  and  to  the  Subordin- 
ate Chapters  of  this  jurisdiction,  three  copies  each,  to  the 
General  Grand  High  Priest  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  to 
each  member  of  this  Grand  Chapter  and  to  each  Representative 
to  and  from  this  Grand  Chapter,  one  copy  each,  and  to  such 
Masonic  Libraries  and  Masonic  periodicals  as  in  his  judgment 
may  be  the  proper  recipients  thereof,  each  one  copy,  of  the 
printed  proceedings  of  this  Grand  Chapter. 

BLANKS  FOR  RETURNS 

Sec.  23.  He  shall  furnish  each  Chapter  duplicate  blanks 
for  annual  returns,  both  to  be  filled ;  one  to  be  returned  to 
the  Grand  Secretary,  the  other  to  be  retained  by  the  Chapter, 
which  blanks  shall  embrace  such  items  as  shall  be  necessary 
to  compile  the  statistics  of  the  Grand  Chapter.  He  shall 
receive  the  returns  and  make  settlement  with  the  Chapters 
and  lay  the  same  annually  before  the  Grand  Chapter. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  15 

BOND 

Sec.  24.  He  shall  annually  execute  a  bond  in  some  surety 
company  to  the  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  North  Carolina, 
to  be  approved  by  the  Grand  High  Priest,  conditioned  for  the 
faithful  discharge  of  his  duties,  in  such  amount  as  the  Grand 
High  Priest  fixes ;  the  premium  of  such  bond  to  be  paid  by  the 
Grand  Chapter. 

SHALL  DELIVER  TO  HIS  SUCCESSOR 

Sec.  25.  He  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  pertain 
to  his  office  as  Grand  Secretary,  together  with  such  as  may  be 
assigned  him  by  the  Grand  High  Priest  or  the  Grand  Chapter, 
and  such  as  are  traditionally  appropriate  to  his  station,  and  at 
the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office  he  shall  deliver  to  his  suc- 
cessor all  books,  papers,  the  seal  and  other  property  of  the 
Grand  Chapter  which  may  be  in  his  custody. 

GRAND  LECTURER 

DUTIES 

Sec.  26.  The  Grand  Lecturer  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Grand  High  Priest,  and  commissioned  under  the  seal  of  the 
Grand  Chapter,  attested  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  which  com- 
mission shall  remain  in  force  until  the  next  Annual  Convoca- 
tion succeeding  his  appointment,  unless  revoked  by  the  Grand 
High  Priest.  He  shall  have  in  special  charge  the  work  of  this 
Grand  Chapter  and  shall  see  that  no  other  work  is  taught  or 
practiced  in  this  Grand  Jurisdiction.  He  may  call  Chapters 
together  for  instruction  at  such  times  and  places  as  he  may 
deem  expedient  and  preside  therein.  He  shall  perform  such 
other  duties  as  he  may  from  time  to  time  be  directed  by  the 
Grand  Chapter  or  the  Grand  High  Priest,  or  as  may  be  appro- 
priate to  his  station.  He  shall  annually  make  a  report  to  the 
Grand  Chapter  of  all  official  duties  performed  by  him,  together 
with  an  abstract  of  the  state  of  the  work.  He  shall  receive  as 
compensation  for  his  services  four  dollars  per  day  and  ex- 
penses, payable  by  the  Chapter  upon  whose  invitation  he  per- 
forms his  duties.     . 


16  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

REMAINING  GRAND  OFFICERS 

DUTIES 

Sec  27.  The  duties  of  all  other  Grand  Officers  shall  be 
such  as  are  traditionally  appropriate  to  their  respective  stations, 
and  such  as  may  be  allotted  to  them  from  time  to  time  by  order 
or  the  Grand  High  Priest  or  the  Grand  Chapter. 

ARTICLE  IV 
REVENUES  OF  THE  GRAND  CHAPTER 

FEES   FOR  DISPENSATION    AND   CHARTER 

Section  1.  The  revenue  of  the  Grand  Chapter  shall  be 
derived  from  the  following  sources : 

A.  For  each  dispensation  for  forming  and  opening  a 
Royal  Arch  Chapter,  which  shall  be  in  full  for  both 
warrant  and  charter  when  same  is  issued $50.00 

B.  For  dispensation  granted  by  the  Grand  High  Priest      2.00 

C.  For  each  demit  furnished  a  member  of  a  dormant 

or  extinct  Chapter  by  the  Grand  Secretaary 2.00 

D.  For  each  companion  exalted,  the  Chapter,  whether 
chartered  or  under  dispensation,  shall  pay 1.50 

ANNUM,  DUES 

Sec.  2.  Every  Chartered  Chapter  shall  annually  pay  to  the 
Grand  Chapter  75  cents  per  annum  dues  for  each  member  borne 
on  the  roll  of  the  Chapter  on  the  first  day  of  the  month  preced- 
ing that  in  which  the  Annual  Convocation  is  held,  including 
those  exalted  within  the  year. 

failing  to  make  returns  or  pay  dues 

Sec  3.  Any  Chapter  failing  either  to  make  returns  or  to 
pay  dues  for  two  years  thereby  forfeits  its  Charter,  and  shall 
not  resume  labor  except  by  authority  from  the  Grand  High 
Priest  or  the  Grand  Chapter. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  17 

time;  to  make  returns 

Sec  4.  Chapters  shall  make  their  returns  to  the  Grand 
Secretary  on  or  before  the  first  of  the  month  in  which  the 
Annual  Convocation  is  held. 

ARTICLE  V 
COMMITTEES 

ENUMERATION 

Section  1.  At  every  Annual  Convocation  of  the  Grand 
Chapter,  the  following  committees  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Grand  High  Priest,  to  consist  of  three  members  each,  unless 
otherwise  ordered. 

That  the  Grand  High  Priest  be  requested,  in  appointing 
committees  at  the  Annual  Convocations,  to  rotate  the  members, 
so  that  no  member  shall  serve  longer  than  three  years  succes- 
sively on  any  one  committee. 

1.  On  Credentials, 

2.  On  Doings  of  Grand  Officers, 

3.  On  Finance, 

4.  On  Unfinished  Business, 

5.  On  Appeals  and  Grievances. 

6.  On  Charters  and  Dispensations, 

7.  On  Returns  of  Chapters, 

8.  On  Mileage  and  Per  Diem, 

9.  On  Time  and  Place  of  Next  Annual  Convocation, 

10.  On  Necrology, 

11.  On  Jurisprudence. 

The  reports  of  all  committees  shall  be  submitted  in  writing. 

FRATERNAL    CORRESPONDENCE 

Seo.  2.  The  Grand  High  Priest  shall,  after  his  installation, 
appoint  one  Companion  as  a  Committee  on  Fraternal  Corre- 
spondence, who  shall  make  his  report  at  the  next  Annual 
Convocation. 


18  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

ARTICLE  VI 
NEW  CHAPTERS 

CHAPTERS  UNDER  DISPENSATION 

Section  1.  Dispensations  for  forming  and  opening-  new 
Chapters  may  be  issued  by  the  Most  Excellent  Grand  High 
Priest  during  recess  of  the  Grand  Chapter.  Dispensations  so 
issued  shall  be  in  force  only  until  the  succeeding  Annual  Con- 
vocation of  this  body,  unless  continued  by  vote  thereof :  Pro- 
vided, That  no  Dispensation  shall  be  issued  within  three 
months  prior  to  the  Annual  Convocation  or  to  a  less  number 
than  twelve  regular  Royal  Arch  Masons ;  nor  shall  any  new 
Chapter  be  formed  without  first  obtaining  the  consent  of  all 
Chapters  whose  jurisdiction  will  be  affected  thereby:  Provided, 
No  charter  shall  be  granted  to  a  Chapter  Under  Dispensation 
unless  and  until  such  Chapter  shall  have  a  membership  of  at 
least  twenty-five  regular  Royal  Arch  Masons. 

OFFICES 

Sec.  2.  The  offices  of  High  Priest,  King  and  Scribe  of  a 
Chapter  under  Dispensation  shall  be  filled  by  appointment  of  the 
Grand  High  Priest ;  and  all  other  offices  necessary  for  the  work 
of  the  Chapter  are  filled  by  appointment  of  the  High  Priest. 

U.  D. — HOW  SET  TO  WORK 

Sec.  3.  Chapters  under  dispensation  shall  be  set  to  work  by 
the  Grand  High  Priest  in  person,  or  by  some  Companion  duly 
authorized  to  perform  that  duty  as  the  proxy  of  the  Grand 
High  Priest. 

U.  D. — POWERS  OF 
Sec.    4.      Chapters   under   dispensation  may   do    all   things 
clearly  expressed  in  the  Letters  of  Dispensation  creating  them, 
such  as  electing  candidates,  conferring  degrees  and  forming  a 
code  of  by-laws. 

SHAEE    FORWARD   BOOKS,   ETC. 

Sec.  5.  At  least  fifteen  days  before  the  first  day  of  the 
Annual  Convocation  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  the  Chapters  under 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  19 

dispensation  shall  forward  to  the  Grand  Secretary  their  books 
and  records,  showing  everything  done  by  authority  of  the  Let- 
ters of  Dispensation,  together  with  the  dispensation  and  a  copy 
of  their  by-laws. 

CONSTITUTION 

Sec.  6.  When  a  Charter  is  issued  by  order  of  the  Grand 
Chapter  (and  it  can  be  only  done  at  its  Annual  Convocation), 
before  any  such  Chapter  can  lawfully  meet  as  such  they  must 
assemble  by  or  under  the  authority  of  the  Grand  High  Priest, 
their  Chapters  duly  constituted  and  the  officers  named  in  the 
Charter  duly  installed. 

OFFICERS 

Sec.  7.  The  High  Priest,  when  duly  installed,  shall  fill, 
by  appointment,  all  other  offices  necessary  to  the  organization 
of  the  Chapter;  and  all  officers  will  then  serve  as  such  until 
their  successors  are  duly  elected  and  installed  at  the  time  pro- 
vided for  in  the  by-laws  of  such  Chapter. 

ARTICLE  VII 

CHARTERED  CHAPTERS 

SHALE  CONSIST   OF 

Section  1.     Every  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  under 
this  jurisdiction  must  consist  of  a 
High  Priest, 
King, 
Scribe, 
Treasurer, 
Secretary, 

Captain  of  the  Host, 
Principal  Sojourner, 
Royal  Arch  Captain, 
Master  of  Third  Veil, 
Master  of  Second  Veil, 
Master  of  First  Veil, 
Sentinel, 


20  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

and  as  many  members  as  may  be  found  convenient  for  work 
and  good  government. 

by-laws 
Sec.  2.  Every  Chapter  chartered  by  this  Grand  Chapter 
shall  adopt  by-laws  for  its  government :  Provided,  That  the 
same  conform  to  the  laws  of  the  Grand  Chapter.  Such  Chap- 
ter shall,  in  its  by-laws,  fix  the  time  of  its  stated  meetings,  the 
fees  for  the  degrees,  the  annual  dues  of  members,  and  the 
time  for  the  election  of  officers. 

AMEND  BY-LAWS 

Sec.  3.  A  Chapter  has  the  right  to  revise,  alter  or  amend 
its  by-laws  in  the  manner  provided  in  such  by-laws.  All 
amendments  or  alterations  must  be  approved  by  the  Com- 
mittee on  Jurisprudence  before  they  will  become  effective. 

CANNOT  SUSPEND  BY-LAWS 

Sec.  4.  A  Chapter  cannot  suspend  its  by-laws,  or  any  of 
them. 

MUST   BE   OPENED    PROPERLY — QUORUM 

Sec  5.  No  Chapter  shall  be  opened  unless  there  be  present 
nine  regular  Royal  Arch  Masons ;  for  all  purposes  except 
opening  and  closing  a  Chapter  and  conferring  degrees,  nine 
members  of  the  Chapter  are  necessary  to  constitute  a  quorum. 
Dependent  Lodges  shall  not  be  opened  until  the  Chapter  is 
first  opened  and  dispensed  with ;  after  the  work  of  the  depend- 
ent lodges  is  accomplished,  they  should  be  closed,  and  the 
Chapter  resume  labor  and  be  closed  in  form. 

CHARTER   MUST   BE   PRESENT 

Sec.  6.  At  all  meetings  of  the  Chapter  when  opened  on 
any  degree,  the  Charter  or  Dispensation  must  be  present. 

SEAL 

Sec.  7.  Every  Chartered  Chapter  must  have  a  seal,  and  all 
official  papers  issued  by  the  Chapter  must  be  attested  by  an 
impression  of  the  same. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  21 

STATED    CONVOCATIONS 

Sec.  8.  The  Stated  Convocations  of  a  Chapter  shall  be  held 
at  the  time  specified  in  the  by-laws,  which  should  require  a 
meeting  at  least  once  in  each  month,  at  which  all  regular  busi- 
ness of  the  Chapter  should  be  transacted :  Provided,  That 
a  Chapter  may  provide  in  its  by-laws  for  the  omission  of  any 
meeting  in  the  months  of  July  and  August. 

SPECIAL   CONVOCATIONS 

Sec  9.  Special  Convocations  of  a  Chapter  may  be  held  at 
the  usual  place  of  meeting  and  at  such  times  as  the  High 
Priest  may  direct,  upon  due  notice  to  the  resident  members : 
Provided,  That  its  object  shall  be  stated  in  the  notice;  and 
at  such  special  meeting  no  business  shall  be  in  order  except 
that  for  which  it  shall  have  been  convened. 

MINUTES  APPROVED 

Sec.  10.  The  minutes  of  a  Chapter  are  not  adopted,  but 
approved  as  a  true  record  of  the  proceedings.  If  they  do  not 
furnish  a  correct  statement  of  the  transactions  of  the  Chapter, 
they  ought  to  be  revised  and  made  to  conform  to  the  facts. 
Objections  to  minutes  can  only  be  entertained  when  they 
point  out  errors  or  omissions  in  the  record,  and  the  High 
Priest  should  give  opportunity  for  such  correction.  If  none 
are  suggested,  he  should  announce  the  minutes  approved  and 
order  the  fact  noted. 

BUSINESS 

Sec.  11.  All  business  must  be  transacted  in  open  Chapter, 
in  the  Royal  Arch  Degree,  except  the  conferring  of  the  degrees 
of  Mark  Master,  Past  Master  and  Most  Excellent  Master, 
which  must  be  done  in  the  proper  Lodges  respectively. 

SUNDAY 

Sec.  12.  No  Convocation  shall  be  held  on  the  first  day  of 
the  week,  commonly  called  Sunday,  for  any  purpose  other  than 
the  burial  of  a  deceased  Companion,  or  uniting  with  a  Lodge, 


22  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

at  its  invitation,  in  funeral  services:  Provided,  That  a  Chap- 
ter may  convene  for  public  worship  on  Sunday  when  author- 
ized so  to  do  by  Dispensation  from  the  Grand  High  Priest. 

FEES 

Sec.  13.  No  Chapter  shall  confer  the  degrees  for  a  less 
sum  than  twenty  dollars,  which  amount  shall  accompany  the 
petition;  and  it  is  expressly  ordered  that  the  degrees  shall  not 
be  conferred  upon  any  one  without  the  fee  is  paid,  and  no 
portion  of  it  can  be  returned,  either  as  a  loan,  donation  or 
otherwise. 

NO   APPEAE    FROM    HIGH    PRIEST'S   DECISION 

Sec.  14.  No  appeal  lies  to  a  Chapter  from  a  decision  of 
the  High  Priest.  His  decision  can  be  reviewed  only  by  the 
Grand  High  Priest  during  the  recess  of  the  Grand  Chapter, 
subject  to  final  action  by  the  Grand  Chapter,  or  by  appeal 
directly  to  the  Grand  Chapter. 

SUBSTITUTES 

Sec.  15.  Chapters  are  directed  in  all  cases  where  it  is  con- 
venient, to  have  three  candidates  in  the  conferring  the  Royal 
Arch  Degree ;  but  when  it  is  not  convenient,  one  or  two  substi- 
tutes may  be  used  without  violating  the  ritual  or  the  installa- 
tion charges  delivered  to  a  High  Priest. 

WORK 

Sec.  16.  Every  Chapter  shall  practice  the  work  of  the 
General  Grand  Chapter  and  exemplified  by  the  Grand  Lec- 
turer ;  and  any  Chapter  wilfully  violating  this  provisions  shall 
be  subject  to  discipline,  but  the  phraseology  of  the  Blue  Lodge 
may  be  used  so  far  as  it  applies  to  the  Mark  Master,  Past 
Master  and  Most  Excellent  Master  degrees  of  the  Chapter. 

SUMMONS 

Sec.  17.  The  High  Priest  or  the  Chapter  has  the  right  to 
summons  any  member  of  the  Chapter  for  any  purpose  within 
the   scope   and  business   of   Masonry.     A   summons  must  be 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  23 

written  or  printed,  signed  by  the  Secretary  and  under  the  seal 
of  the  Chapter,  and  need  not  contain  anything  beyond  the 
requisition  to  attend. 

SERVICE   OF    SUMMONS 

Sec.  18.  A  summons  may  be  served  by  any  Royal  Arch 
Mason  designated  for  that  purpose  by  the  High  Priest,  by 
delivering  a  copy  thereof  in  person  to  the  party  named  in  the 
summons.  Or  it  may  be  mailed  to  him,  by  the  Secretary  in 
a  sealed  envelope,  addressed  to  him  at  his  present  or  last 
know  place  of  residence. 

SUMMONS  MUST  BE  OBEYED 

Sec.  19.  Every  Royal  Arch  Mason  is  bound  to  obey  a  sum- 
mons ;  and  for  failure  without  good  and  sufficient  cause,  shall 
be  notified  to  appear  before  his  Chapter  at  its  next  meeting; 
and,  if  a  satisfactory  excuse  be  not  rendered,  charges  shall  be 
preferred  against  him,  and,  upon  trial,  he  may  be  punished  as 
the  Chapter  shall  determine. 

MARK 

Sec.  20.  No  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  exalt  a  candi- 
date to  the  Most  Sublime  Degree  of  Royal  Arch  Mason  until 
he  shall  have  selected  and  recorded  his  Mark. 

CHARTER   FORFEITED 

Sec.  21  A  Chapter  forfeits  its  Charter  when  it  fails  to 
meet  for  twelve  months ;  and  labor  shall  not  be  resumed  unless 
by  authority  of  the  Grand  High  Priest  or  Grand  Chapter. 

CHARTER  ARRESTED 

Sec.  22.  When  the  Charter  of  a  Chapter  has  been  arrested 
by  the  Grand  High  Priest,  the  rights,  privileges  and  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  Chapter  are  not  destroyed,  but  remain  in  abeyance 
until  the  Grand  Chapter  passes  upon  the  arrest.  Justice  to 
the  Chapter  requires  that  all  its  rights  should  remain  intact ; 


24  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

therefore,  it  is  improper  for  certificates  to  be  granted  to  mem- 
bers of  the  Chapter,  and  illegal  for  any  other  Chapter  to  re- 
ceive a  petition  for  the  degrees  from  one  living  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Chapter  whose  Charter  has  been  arrested, 
until  such  action  is  confirmed  by  the  Grand  Chapter. 

CHAPTER  PROPERTY 

Sec.  23.  Chapters  ceasing  to  exist,  from  any  cause,  for- 
feit to  the  Grand  Chapter  all  of  their  property  and  effects, 
and  the  last  High  Priest,  Treasurer  or  Secretary  of  a  Chap- 
ter extinct  from  any  cause,  shall  forward  to  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary all  the  books,  papers,  jewels,  funds,  Charter  and  seal  of 
said  Chapter,  and  hold  all  other  property  of  the  same  subject 
to  his  order. 

DUES    EROM    MEMBERS   OE   EXTINCT    CHAPTERS 

Sec.  24.  A  member  of  an  extinct  Chapter  is  not  liable  for 
dues  after  the  Chapter  becomes  extinct.  But  the  Grand  Chap- 
ter has  the  right  to  collect  from  members  all  dues  chargeable 
against  them  up  to  the  time  it  became  extinct,  and  to  discipline 
all  those  who  refuse  or  neglect  to  pay  the  same. 

MEMBERS  OF  EXTINCT  CHAPTERS 

Sec.  25.  When  a  Chapter  has  ceased  to  exist,  any  member 
thereof  may  join  another  Chapter  upon  petition  and  certifi- 
cate from  the  Grand  Secretary  that  his  standing  therein  was 
good  when  such  Chapter  ceased  to  exist,  and  that  all  dues 
and  other  liabilities  have  been  paid. 

ANNUAL  RETURNS 

Sec.  26.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  Chapter  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Chapter,  in  each  and  every  year,  to 
make  and  transmit  by  mail  or  express  to  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary an  annual  report,  according  to  the  form  to  be  furnished 
by  the  Grand  Secretary. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  25 

ARTICLE  VIII 

OFFICERS 

Section  1.    The  officers  of  a  Chapter  shall  be 

High  Priest, 

King, 

Scribe, 

Treasurer, 

Secretary, 

Captain  of  the  Host, 

Principal  Sojourner, 

Royal  Arch  Captain, 

Master  of  Third  Veil, 

Master  of  Second  Veil, 

Master  of  First  Veil, 

Sentinel. 

how  chosen 

Sec  2.  All  officers  shall  be  elected  or  appointed  at  the 
Regular  Convocation  in  March  of  each  year,  and  shall  hold  and 
discharge  the  duties  of  their  respective  offices  until  their  suc- 
cessors are  duly  elected  or  appointed  and  installed.  The  instal- 
lation shall  take  place  at  the  same  or  at  a  subsequent  Convo- 
cation, prior  to  April  1st. 

officer's  rank  in  chapters 

Sec.  3.  In  the  preliminary  degrees  the  officers  of  the  Chap- 
ter shall  take  rank  as  follows : 

The  High  Priest  as  R.  W.  Master ; 
The  King  as  Senior  Warden  ; 

The  Scribe  (except  in  the  M.  E.  Master's  degree)  as  Junior 
Warden ; 

The  Captain  of  the  Host  as  Marshal ; 
The  Principal  Sojourner  as  Senior  Deacon; 
The  Royal  Arch  Captain  as  Junior  Deacon ; 
The  Sentinel  as  Tiler ; 


26  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

and  in  the  Mark  Master's  Degree  the  Master  of  the  Third 
Veil  as  Master  Overseer,  the  Master  of  the  Second  Veil  as 
Senior  Overseer,  the  Master  of  the  First  Veil  as  Junior  Over- 
seer. 

PRESIDING   OFFICERS 

Sec.  4.  In  the  absence  of  the  High  Priest  from  any  meet- 
ing of  the  Chapter,  the  King  shall  preside,  if  present;  in  the 
absence  of  both,  the  Scribe  shall  preside ;  in  the  absence  of  all 
three  of  the  principal  officers,  the  Junior  Past  High  Priest 
shall  preside. 

SUCCESSION 

Sec.  5.  In  case  of  the  death  or  disability  of  the  High  Priest, 
the  King  and  Scribe  will,  in  succession,  assume  his  prerogatives 
and  duties  for  all  purposes,  except  such  as  pertain  to  the  instal- 
lation of  officers. 

REMOVAL  OF  OFFICERS 

Sec.  6.  The  removal  of  the  High  Priest,  King  or  Scribe, 
or  any  other  officer,  from  the  State,  vacates  his  office  during 
the  term  for  which  he  was  elected  or  installed. 

VACANCY    IN    PRINCIPAL    STATIONS 

Sec.  7.  Should  the  stations  of  High  Priest,  King  and 
Scribe  of  a  Chapter  become  vacant  by  death  or  otherwise,  the 
Grand  High  Priest  may  grant  a  Dispensation  for  an  election 
to  fill  such  vacancy.  He  shall  appoint  some  qualified  Com- 
panion to  call  a  meeting  of  such  Chapter,  for  the  purpose  of 
holding  the  election,  preside  at  the  same  and  install  the  officers 
when  elected,  or  he  may  himself  call  such  meeting  and  preside 
thereat. 

ELECTION  OF  OFFICERS 

Sec.  8.  In  all  elections  of  officers  in  a  Chapter,  a  majority 
of  votes  cast  shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice.  Blank  ballots 
shall  not  be  counted. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  27 

ELIGIBILITY   OF  OFFICERS 

Sec.  9.  Every  member  in  good  standing  shall  be  eligible 
to  any  office  in  the  Chapter. 

SPECIAL    ELECTION 

Sec.  10.  The  Grand  High  Priest  has  the  power  to  grant 
Dispensations  to  hold  special  elections  for  officers,  in  case  of 
a  failure  to  elect  at  the  time  specified  in  the  by-laws. 

OFFICERS — LENGTH   OF   SERVICE 

Sec.  11.  The  officers  of  a  Chapter  are  elected  to  serve  for  a 
term  of  twelve  months,  and  in  all  cases  shall  hold  their  offices 
until  their  successors  are  elected  and  installed. 

RESIGNATIONS 

Sec.  12.  Neither  the  High  Priest,  King  or  Scribe  of  a 
Chapter  can  resign,  but  any  other  officer  can  do  so. 

INSTALLED  OFFICER   CANNOT   DEMIT 
Sec.  13.    An  installed  officer  cannot  demit  while  in  office. 

CHAPTERS  MUST  BE  OPENED  FOR  INSTALLATION 

Sec.  14.  An  installation  of  the  officers  cannot  be  held,  either 
in  public  or  private,  without  first  opening  the  Chapter.  The 
records  of  the  Chapter  must  show  the  installation  of  its  officers, 
and  records  should  only  be  made  of  business  transactions 
while  the  Chapter  is  in  session. 

INSTALLING    OFFICERS 

Sec.  15.  The  Grand  High  Priest,  Deputy  Grand  High 
Priest,  Grand  King,  Grand  Scribe,  Present  or  Past  High 
Priests  are  qualified  to  install  the  officers  of  a  Chapter. 

OFFICERS  RE-ELECTED 

Sec.  16.  An  officer  of  the  Chapter,  re-elected  or  reappoint- 
ed, need  not  be  reinstalled. 


28  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

ARTICLE  IX 

PETITIONS 

Section  1.  All  applications  for  the  degrees  or  membership 
shall  be  signed  by  the  applicant  in  person,  and  must  be  pre- 
sented at  a  Stated  Convocation  of  the  Chapter ;  and  when  re- 
ceived and  referred  to  a  committee  cannot  be  withdrawn,  but 
must  be  balloted  on  for  final  action. 

COMMITTEE    OF   INVESTIGATION 

Sec.  2.  Every  petition  for  the  degrees  or  membership  shall 
be  referred  by  the  High  Priest  to  a  committee  of  investigation, 
to  consist  of  three  members,  who  shall  diligently  investigate 
the  character,  standing  and  qualifications  of  the  applicant  and 
report  to  the  Chapter  in  writing  at  the  Stated  Convocation 
succeeding  their  appointment,  by  at  least  a  majority  of  its  mem- 
bers, although  all  should  report,  if  possible. 

NEW    COMMITTEE 

Sec.  3.  Should  the  committee  of  investigation  fail,  owing 
to  absence  or  other  cause,  to  report  at  the  proper  time,  the 
High  Priest  may,  in  his  discretion,  appoint  a  new  committee ; 
but  such  new  committee  shall  not  be  allowed  to  report  forth- 
with, but  must  have  the  lawful  time  for  investigation  before 
reporting. 

CANDIDATE    TOTALLY    DISQUALIFIED 

Sec.  4.  If  a  committee  of  investigation  finds  a  candidate 
totally  disqualified,  owing  to  non-residence,  physical  disqual- 
ifications, or  other  sufficient  cause,  the  fact  shall  be  reported 
by  the  committee,  entered  of  record  and  the  fee  returned, 
and  no  further  action  shall  be  taken  in  the  case. 

PHYSICAL  DISQUALIFICATIONS 

Sec.  5.  It  is  incompetent  for  any  Chapter  in  this  jurisdic- 
tion to  confer  either  of  the  degrees  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry 
upon  any  person  whose  physical  defects  are  such  as  to  pre- 
vent him  from  receiving  and  imparting  the  ceremonies  of  the 
several    degrees :     Provided,   That   nothing   herein    contained 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  29 

shall  be  so  construed  as  to  render  any  one  ineligible  to  the 
privileges  of  Capitular  Masonry,  who  can,  by  the  aid  of  arti- 
ficial appliances,  conform  to  the  necessary  ceremonies. 

FAILURE  OF   CANDIDATE   TO   PRESENT    HIMSELF 

Sec.  6.  A  petitioner  for  the  degrees  who  fails  to  present 
himself  for  the  degrees  within  six  months  after  he  shall  have 
been  duly  notified  of  his  election,  shall  forfeit  the  fee  paid : 
Provided,  He  does  not  give  good  reasons  for  his  failure  to 
appear,  and  of  the  sufficiency  of  his  reasons  the  majority  of 
the  members  present  must  judge;  and,  Provided  further,  If 
the  time  exceed  one  year,  the  previous  election  shall  be  void ; 
but  if  such  candidate  make  satisfactory  excuse  to  the  Chapter 
he  may  regularly  petition  again  without  repayment  of  the  fee. 

PETITION   FROM   EXTINCT   CHAPTER 

Sec.  7.  A  Mark  Master,  Past  Master  or  Most  Excellent 
Master,  whose  Chapter  is  extinct,  may  present  his  petition, 
accompanied  with  proper  documentary  evidence  of  his  good 
standing,  to  the  Chapter  in  whose  jurisdiction  he  resides,  to 
affiliate  as  such,  stating  in  his  petition  the  name,  number  and 
location  of  his  Chapter,  when  in  existence;  and  the  status  of 
such  petitioner  in  the  Chapter,  if  elected,  shall  be  that  of  a 
Mason  of  like  advancement  who  has  been  initiated  therein : 
Provided,  That  no  such  petition  shall  be  received  until  the 
Chapter  is  satisfied  by  examination  or  lawful  information  that 
said  petitioner  is  a  Mark  Master,  Past  Master  or  Most  Excel- 
lent Master,  as  the  case  may  be. 

AFTER  REJECTION 

Sec.  8.  A  petitioner  for  the  degrees,  who  has  been  rejected, 
may,  after  the  lapse  of  six  months,  again  petition  the  Chapter 
which  rejected  him. 

RESIDENCE 

Sec.  9.  No  petition  for  the  degrees  shall  be  entertained  in 
any  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction  unless  the  petitioner  shall  have 


30  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

resided  twelve  months  in  the  State,  six  of  which  shall  have 
been  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Chapter ;  nor  shall  any 
degrees  be  conferred  upon  one  who  has  no  fixed  residence; 
except  in  case  of  a  member  of  the  armies  or  navies  or  revenue 
service  of  the  United  States  of  America,  whose  petition  may  be 
received  and  the  degrees  conferred,  provided  he  is,  at  the 
time  of  petitioning,  stationed  in  this  Grand  Jurisdiction,  and 
then  only  by  the  Chapter  nearest  the  place  at  which  he  is 
stationed.  By  residence  as  here  used  is  meant  a  permanent 
settled  domicile  or  fixed  abode. 

DEGREES    CONFERRED    ON    AFFILIATED    MASTER    MASONS    ONLY — 

EEES 

Sec.  10.  No  Chapter  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand 
Chapter  shall  receive  a  petition  from  or  confer  the  degrees 
of  Mark  Master,  Past  Master,  Most  Excellent  Master  and 
Royal  Arch  Mason  upon  any  one  who  is  not  at  the  time  a 
Master  Mason  and  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in  good  and  regular 
standing  as  such,  for  a  less  sum  than  twenty  dollars,  and  the 
fees  for  all  the  degrees  must  accompany  the  petition. 

APPLICATION    FOR   MEMBERSHIP   MUST   BE  ACCOMPANIED   BY 

DEMIT 

Sec  11.  .No  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  entertain  a 
petition  for  membership  unless  the  same  is  accompanied  by  a 
demit  or  some  other  documentary  evidence  of  the  good  stand- 
ing of  the  applicant  and  his  release  from  membership  in  his 
former  Chapter :  Provided,  That  no  fee  for  affiliation  shall  be 
charged  to  any  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction. 

REQUISITES   OF   PETITION 

Sec  12.  A  petition  for  the  degrees  shall  be  made  in  writing 
and  signed  by  the  applicant ;  shall  state  the  age,  date  and 
place  of  birth,  residence  and  occupation  of  the  petitioner, 
and  that  the  petitioner  has  not  been  rejected  by  any  Chapter. 
It  shall  also  state  the  Lodge  in  which  the  petitioner  received  the 
degrees,  and  also  the  Lodge  with  which  he  is  then  affiliated. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  31 

RECOMMENDATION 

Sec.  13.  No  petition  for  the  degrees  or  for  membership 
shall  be  received  unless  recommended  by  two  members  of  the 
Chapter,  in  good  standing,  whose  names  shall  appear  on  the 
record. 

REJECTED  CANDIDATE 

Sec.  14.  In  case  of  the  rejection  of  a  candidate,  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  Secretary  to  return  him  his  fee  and  to  inform 
him  of  the  rejection  of  his  petition. 

ARTICLE  X 

BALLOTING  " 

Section  1.  No  ballots  for  the  degrees  or  membership  shall 
be  taken,  except  at  a  stated  meeting  of  a  Chapter,  and  the 
ballot  must  be  unanimous  or  the  candidate  shall  be  declared 
rejected.  In  balloting,  all  members  of  the  Chapter  present 
must  vote. 

BALLOTS  FREE  AND  SECRET 

Sec.  2.  The  ballot  must  be  free  and  secret,  and  no  member 
shall  be  required  to  give  his  reasons  for  the  ballot  which  he 
has  deposited ;  nor  shall  any  Companion  disclose  the  manner 
in  which  he  voted,  under  any  circumstances  whatever. 

MUST  LIE  OVER 

Sec.  3.  No  petition  for  the  degrees  or  membership  shall  be 
balloted  on  until  the  same  shall  have  lain  over  until  the  next 
stated  Convocation. 

MARK   MASTER,  PAST  MASTER,  OR  MOST  EXCELLENT   MASTER 
FROM   ANOTHER   CHAPTER 

Sec.  4.  A  Mark  Master,  Past  Master  or  Most  Excellent 
Master  from  another  Chapter  may  petition  for  affiliation  as 
such,  upon  a  proper  certificate  of  Dismission  from  his  Chap- 
ter, and  a  clear  ballot  shall  elect  to  membership,  and  entitle 
the  petitioner  to  the  remaining  degree  or  degrees. 


32  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

must  ballot 

Sec.  5.  All  petitions  for  the  degrees  or  affiliation  must  be 
balloted  upon,  whether  the  committee  report  favorably  or 
unfavorably,  except  as  provided  for  in  Art.  IX,  Sec.  4. 

REPORT    ON    PETITIONS 

Sec.  6.  A  ballot  cannot  be  had  on  a  petition  for  the  degrees 
or  membership  until  a  majority  of  the  committee  shall  have 
reported  either  favorably  or  unfavorably. 

POSTPONE   BALLOT 

Sec.  7.  After  the  report  of  the  committee  of  investigation 
on  an  application  for  the  degrees  or  membership,  the  High 
Priest  may,  on  request  in  writing  of  a  member  who  is  un- 
avoidably absent,  or  for  other  good  cause,  postpone  the  ballot 
thereon  until  the  next  stated  meeting,  but  no  longer.  But  the 
ballot  when  once  commenced  cannot  be  postponed,  but  must 
be  completed,  and  the  result  thereof  declared. 

EXAMINATION  OE  BALLOT 

Sec.  8.  After  the  ballot  has  been  taken  and  examined  by 
the  High  Priest,  King  and  Scribe,  the  result  shall  be  declared 
by  the  High  Priest,  unless  only  one  negative  vote  appears,  in 
which  case  he  shall  order  a  second  trial  of  the  ballot,  which 
shall,  in  all  cases,  be  final. 

DEBATE    PENDING   BALLOT    NOT    ALLOWED 

Sec.  9.  No  debate  shall  be  allowed  after  a  ballot  is  or- 
dered, and  no  inquiry  permitted  as  to  who  may  have  cast  a 
negative  vote. 

ARTICLE  XI 

MEMBERSHIP 

Section  1.  A  Royal  Arch  Mason  exalted  in  this  jurisdic- 
tion shall  be  ipso  facto  a  member  of  the  Chapter  which  ex- 
alted him,  without  further  ballot ;  except  where  the  work  has 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  33 

been  done  for  another  Chapter ;  then  the  Companion  will  be 
a  member  of  the  Chapter  which  made  the  request. 

PETITION    FOR    MEMBERSHIP 

Sec.  2.  A  petition  for  membership  shall  state  the  age,  date 
and  place  of  birth,  residence  and  occupation  of  the  petitioner, 
and  the  name,  number  and  location  and  jurisdiction  of  the 
Lodge  with  which  he  is  affiliated,  and  the  name,  number  and 
jurisdiction  of  the  Chapter  in  which  he  was  formerly,  or  is 
now  a  member. 

PETITIONER  VOUCHED  FOR 

Sec  3.  The  committee  of  investigation  on  the  character 
of  any  applicant  for  membership  is  charged  with  the  duty, 
among  other,  of  making  such  examination  and  inquiry  as 
to  be  able  to  report  whether  or  not  they  find  the  applicant 
to  be  a  Royal  Arch  Mason.  No  ballot  shall  be  spread  for 
membership  without  satisfactory  evidence  of  such  fact. 

CHARGES  AGAINST   PETITIONER 

Sec.  4.  Should  charges  be  preferred  against  a  Royal  Arch 
Mason,  in  Lodge  or  Chapter,  after  the  reception  and  refer- 
ence of  his  petition  for  affiliation,  no  report  from  the  com- 
mittee of  investigation  upon  such  petition  shall  be  received, 
nor  a  ballot  taken  thereon,  until  the  charges  have  been  finally 
disposed  of  by  the  Lodge  or  Chapter. 

RENEWAL  OF  APPLICATION 

Sec.  5.  When  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  is  rejected  for  affilia- 
tion, he  may  apply  at  any  subsequent  stated  meeting  by  a 
new  petition,  in  regular  form,  and  a  committee  of  investiga- 
tion must  be  appointed  and  the  application  in  all  respects 
treated  as  though  he  had  not  previously  petitioned  the  Chapter. 

DEMIT    BELONGS   TO   CHAPTER 

Sec.  6.  The  demit  of  a  petitioner  who  is  elected  a  member 
of  a  Chapter  belongs  to  the  Chapter  and  must  remain  in  its 
custody,  and  the  date  of  his  affiliation  must  be  endorsed  thereon. 


34  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

dual  membership 

Sec.  7.  No  member  of  a  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction  shall 
hold  membership  in  another  Chapter  at  the  same  time. 

STATUS    OF   A    ROYAE    ARCH    MASON    UNDER   CHARGES 

Sec.  8.  The  status  of  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  under  charges 
is  not  affected  by  such  charges,  except  that  he  cannot  demit. 
He  is  presumed  to  be  innocent  until  his  guilt  is  proved. 

ARTICLE  XII 

DUES 

Section  1.  The  dues  of  any  member  of  a  Chapter  may  be 
remitted,  in  whole  or  in  part,  for  good  cause,  upon  proper 
application  in  person  or  writing;  or  upon  a  statement  of  facts 
made  by  a  Companion  justifying  such  action. 

REMISSION    OF   DUES    CANNOT    BE    CONSIDERED 

Sec.  2.  A  Chapter,  having  upon  proper  motion  remitted 
the  dues  of  a  member,  no  reconsideration  at  a  subsequent 
meeting  is  admissible.  If  imposition  has  been  practiced  in 
obtaining  the  remission  of  dues,  the  Companion  guilty  of  the 
imposition  should  be  disciplined. 

ASSESSMENT  FORBIDDEN 

Sec.  3.  Chapters  shall  not  assess  members,  except  in  the 
way  of  dues,  the  amount  of  which  shall  be  fixed  by  the  by- 
laws. 

EIFE   MEMBERSHIP 

Sec.  4.  A  Chapter  may,  by  its  by-laws,  provide  for  the 
election  to  life  membership  and  exemption  of  Chapter  dues 
of  any  of  its  members,  conditioned  upon  length  of  membership, 
or  other  meritorious  cause,  but  dues  to  the  Grand  Chapter  must 
be  paid  upon  them,  the  same  as  upon  contributing  members  of 
the  Chapter. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  35 

ANNUAL,  DUES 

Sec.  5.  Each  Chapter  under  this  jurisdiction  has  the  right, 
and  it  is  its  duty,  to  assess  and  collect  from  its  members,  in  the 
manner  provided  by  its  by-laws,  such  annual  dues  as  may  be 
deemed  necessary  to  defray  the  proper  expenses  of  the  Chapter. 

ARTICLE  XIII 

DEMIT 

Section  1.  No  Chapter  shall  grant  a  demit  to  any  of  its 
members  until  all  dues  are  paid  or  remitted ;  nor  to  one  who  is 
under  charges,  nor  to  one  who  has,  in  his  official  capacity, 
become  indebted  to  the  Chapter,  so  long  as  such  indebtedness 
remains. 

Whenever  a  member  whose  dues  are  fully  paid,  and  who  is 
under  no  charges,  shall  apply,  in  writing,  at  a  stated  meeting, 
for  a  demit,  his  application  shall,  unless  objections  are  made, 
be  immediately  granted,  and  the  fact  entered  of  record.  No 
objections  shall  be  entertained,  unless  the  objecting  Companion 
shall  prefer  charges  against  the  applicant  for  demit,  or  give 
notice  that  he  will  do  so  at  the  next  stated  meeting;  at  which 
time,  if  no  charges  are  preferred  by  the.  objector,  the  demit 
shall  be  granted.  If  the  charges  are  preferred,  they  shall  take 
the  course  prescribed  by  law.  If,  on  trial,  the  accused  is 
acquitted,  his  demit  shall  be  granted.  Should  the  accused  be 
suspended,  and  at  the  expiration  of  his  suspension  still  desire 
a  demit,  a  new  application  must  be  presented. 

DATE  OF 

Sec  2.  A  Royal  Arch  Mason  ceases  to  be  a  member  of  the 
Chapter  at  the  time  the  demit  is  granted,  as  shown  by  the 
Chapter  record,  notwithstanding  he  may  fail  to  take  or  receive 
his  certificate  of  dismission. 

DEMITS    FOR    CONTINUOUS    MEMBERSHIP 

Sec.  3.  If  a  Companion  wishes  to  change  his  membership 
and  be  continuously  affiliated,  he  may  file  his  petition  with  a 


36  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

Chapter  having  jurisdiction,  and  with  it  a  receipt  under  seal 
from  the  Secretary  of  the  Chapter  of  which  he  is  a  member, 
showing  that  his  dues  have  been  paid  for  three  months  in 
advance,  also  a  written  application  to  his  Chapter  for  a  demit. 
If  elected  to  membership  in  the  Chapter  petitioned,  the  Secre- 
tary thereof  shall  immediately  forward  said  application  for 
demit  to  the  Companion's  Chapter,  and  when  the  demit  is 
received  shall  file  with  the  petition  and  enter  the  Companion's 
name  as  a  member  of  the  Chapter  petitioned  as  of  even  date 
with  the  certificate  of  demit.  If  the  petitioner  be  rejected  the 
aforesaid  receipt  for  dues  and  the  application  for  demit  shall 
be  returned  to  him  and  his  standing  in  the  mother  Chapter 
shall  not  be  affected. 

certificates 

Sec.  4.  When  a  Chapter  ceases  to  exist  by  the  arrest  of  its 
Charter,  the  Grand  Secretary  shall,  on  application  of  its  mem- 
bers, and  on  receiving  satisfactory  proof  that  they  were  in  good 
standing  and  have  paid  all  dues  to  date  of  arrest,  issue  cer- 
tificates to  them :  Provided,  That  such  certificates  shall  not 
issue  to  members  of  a  Chapter  whose  Charter  has  been  arrested 
by  the  Grand  High  Priest  until  his  action  in  arresting  the  same 
shall  be  approved  by  the  Grand  Chapter. 

ARTICLE  XIV 
JURISDICTION 

REQUEST    COMING   FROM    ANOTHER   GRAND   JURISDICTION    TO 
CONFER   DEGREES 

Section  1.  A  Chapter  within  this  jurisdiction  may,  at  the 
request  of  a  Chapter  under  the  jurisdiction  of  another  Grand 
Chapter,  confer  the  degrees  of  Mark  Master,  Past  Master, 
Most  Excellent  Master  and  Royal  Arch,  or  either  of  them, 
upon  a  candidate  of  said  Chapter:  Provided,  The  requesting 
Chapter  furnish  a  certificate  under  its  seal  that  the  candidate 
has  been  duly  elected  to  receive  the  degree  or  degrees.  The 
Chapter,  before  conferring  a  degree  upon  one  who  has  already 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  37 

received  one  or  more  degrees,  should  be  satisfied  by  proper 
examination  or  lawful  information,  that  the  candidate  has  regu- 
larly received  the  preceding  degree  or  degrees. 

CONFERRING  DEGREES   BY   REQUEST 

Sec.  2.  When  a  Chapter  shall  have  elected  a  candidate  to 
take  the  degrees,  and  shall  have  conferred  one  or  more  degrees 
upon  him,  such  Chapter  may  request  any  Chapter  in  whose 
jurisdiction  such  candidate  may  be  residing  or  sojourning  to 
confer  the  remaining  degree  or  degrees.  And  when  a  Chapter 
does  confer  the  degrees  at  the  request  of  another  Chapter,  it 
does  not  thereby  acquire  jurisdiction,  and  the  fee  belongs  to  the 
requesting  Chapter,  unless  it  shall  see  fit  to  relinquish  it. 

REMOVAL    OF    CANDIDATE 

Sec  3.  When  a  party  residing  within  the  jurisdiction  of  a 
Chapter  petitions  for  the  degrees,  and  his  petition  is  received 
and  referred  to  a  committee  of  investigation,  the  Chapter  has 
obtained  lawful  jurisdiction  of  the  same,  and  the  subsequent 
removal  of  the  candidate  into  the  territory  of  another  Chapter 
does  not  deprive  the  first  Chapter  of  its  jurisdiction. 

BALLOTING    ON    REQUEST    NOT    ALLOWED 

Sec.  4.  It  is  not  competent  for  any  Chapter  to  ballot  upon 
a  candidate  upon  a  request  from  another  Chapter.  A  Chapter 
may  confer  any  degree  for  the  Chapter  making  the  request, 
but  the  requesting  Chapter  must  have  elected  such  candidate 
before  making  such  request,  and  the  candidate  remains  affili- 
ated with  and  under  control  of  the  requesting  Chapter. 

WORK   FOR  ANOTHER   CHAPTER 

Sec.  5.  No  Chapter  can  confer  any  degree  for  another 
Chapter  if  any  member  of  the  requesting  Chapter  shall  object. 
Such  objection  shall  have  the  same  effect  as  if  the  degrees  were 
about  to  be  conferred  in  his  own  Chapter. 


38  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

invasion  01?  territory 

Sec.  6.  If  any  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  invade  the 
territory  of  a  sister  Chapter,  and  confer  the  degrees  on  a  per- 
son residing  in  such  jurisdiction  without  its  consent,  the  invad- 
ing Chapter  shall  pay  the  Chapter  whose  jurisdiction  is  invaded 
the  fees  received  on  account  thereof,  and,  in  addition,  the 
excess,  if  any,  charged  by  the  Chapter  whose  jurisdiction  has 
been  invaded,  and  also  be  subject  to  such  discipline  as  may  be 
just  and  proper. 

WAVER   OF    JURISDICTION 

Sec.  7.  A  Chapter  may,  by  unanimous  consent,  at  any  stated 
meeting,  waive  jurisdiction  over  and  grant  a  certificate  of 
admission  to  a  Mark  Master,  Past  Master  or  Most  Excellent 
Master,  and  such  certificate  will  authorize  him  to  petition  any 
Chapter  in  whose  jurisdiction  he  may  reside  to  be  affiliated  as 
such.  But  a  Chapter  cannot  waive  jurisdiction  over  one  whose 
petition  has  been  received  and  referred  to  a  committee. 

JURISDICTION 

Sec.  8.  No  Chapter  shall  receive  a  petition  from  an  appli- 
cant for  the  degrees  who  lives  nearer  another  Chapter  without 
the  unanimous  consent  of  the  latter  Chapter.  The  Grand  High 
Priest,  in  his  discretion,  upon  investigation  of  the  facts  as  to 
the  accessibility  of  location  and  facility  of  travel  between  points 
involved,  may  transfer  jurisdiction  of  territory  from  one  sub- 
ordinate Chapter  to  another  more  accessible  to  the  section 
affected  by  his  order :  Provided,  This  shall  not  apply  to  terri- 
tory nearer  to  the  Chapter  location  encroached  upon,  than  one- 
fourth  (34)  the  distance  between  such  two  Chapters. 

PETITIONER  EROM  ANOTHER  CHAPTER 

Sec.  9.  Any  Chapter  in  an  adjoining  State  working  under 
a  Charter  from  a  Grand  Chapter  in  correspondence  with  the 
Grand  Chapter  of  North  Carolina  may  entertain  the  applica- 
tion of  citizens  of  this  State  residing  nearer  by  the  usual  mode 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  39 

of  traveling  to  such  Chapter  than  to  any  Chapter  in  this  State, 
and  may  confer  the  degrees  upon  such  applicants  and  may 
admit  them  to  membership,  as  if  such  was  duly  charterted  by 
the  Grand  Chapter  of  -North  Carolina.  Provided,  That  its 
own  Grand  Chapter  concedes  the  same  privileges  under  like 
circumstances  to  Chapters  in  North  Carolina. 


ARTICLE  XV 

NON-AFFIUATES 

Section  1.  A  Royal  Arch  Mason  becomes  a  non-affiliate 
whenever  he  demits  from  his  Chapter  or  ceases  to  be  a  member 
thereof  by  any  means  other  than  by  suspension  or  expulsion. 

No  Royal  Arch  Mason  who  shall  voluntarily  remain  non- 
affiliated for  more  than  three  months  shall  be  permitted  to 
visit  any  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction,  nor  shall  he  appear  in 
any  procession  of  Royal  Arch  Masons,  nor  shall  he  be  entitled 
to  receive  Chapter  relief  or  have  Chapter  burial. 

MEMBERS  OF  EXTINCT  CHAPTERS 

Sec.  2.  Members  of  extinct  Chapters  who  fail  to  obtain 
Grand  Chapter  certificates  of  good  standing  within  one  year 
after  the  session  of  the  Grand  Chapter  confirming  the  arrest 
of  the  Charter,  occupy  the  same  position  as  demitted  Royal 
Arch  Masons  who  have  neglected  to  affiliate  with  some  Chap- 
ter within  one  year  after  date  of  their  demits. 

VOEUNTARY    NON-AFFIIJATION 

Sec.  3.  A  Royal  Arch  Mason,  member  of  a  Chapter,  failing 
to  procure  a  demit  issued  by  authority  of  the  Grand  Chapter, 
for  one  year  after  such  Chapter  shall,  from  any  cause,  cease 
to  exist,  shall  be  deemed  a  voluntary  non-affiliate,  and  to  have 
forfeited  his  privileges  as  a  Royal  Arch  Mason ;  nor  can  such 
forfeited  rights  be  regained  except  by  procuring  such  demit 
and  affiliating  with  some  regular  Royal  Arch  Chapter. 


40  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

ARTICLE  XVI 

EXCLUSION  for  non-payment  of  dues 

Section  1.  Dues  are  payable  as  provided  in  the  by-laws 
of  each  Chapter. 

Whenever  a  member  shall  fail  to  pay  his  dues  at  the  time 
when  the  same  become  due  and  payable,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  Secretary  to  notify  him  of  such  delinquency  by  deliver- 
ing to  him  in  person  a  bill  for  such  indebtedness,  or  by  mailing 
the  same  in  a  sealed  envelope,  addressed  to  him  at  his  present 
or  last  know  place  of  residence.  Should  the  delinquent  refuse 
or  fail  to  pay  his  dues  within  twenty  days  after  the  issuance  of 
such  notice,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  to  notify  the 
High  Priest  of  such  failure,  who  shall  at  the  next  stated  Con- 
vocation of  the  Chapter,  order  a  notice  to  be  given  the  delin- 
quent by  the  Secretary,  requiring  him  to  appear  at  a  subsequent 
stated  Convocation  to  show  cause  why  he  should  not  be  ex- 
cluded for  non-payment  of  dues,  which  notice  shall  be  in  the 
following  form : 

Hall  of Chapter  No ,  R.  A.  M., 

,  191... 

Companion  : 

You  are  hereby  notified  to  appear  before  the  Chapter  at  its  Convo- 
cation to  be  held  on  the day  of ,  19. . .  .,  and  show 

cause  why  you  should  not  be  excluded  for  non-payment  of  dues. 

By  order  of  the  High  Priest. 


(Seal.)  Secretary. 

Such  notice  shall  be  served  by  the  Secretary  by  delivering 
or  causing  to  be  delivered  by  a  Royal  Arch  Mason,  or  by 
mailing  the  same  in  a  sealed  envelope,  addressed  to  him  at 
his  present  or  last  know  place  of  residence,  to  the  delinquent. 
a  copy  of  the  same  ten  days  before  the  Convocation  at  which 
he  is  to  appear ;  but  should  his  residence  be  more  than  five 
miles  from  the  place  of  the  Chapter  meeting,  or  be  unknown, 
then  a  notice  forwarded  by  mail  to  his  last  known  place  of 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  41 

residence  twenty  days  before  the  date  at  which  he  is  required 
to  appear  shall  be  sufficient. 

Should  the  delinquent  fail  to  appear,  his  dues  still  remain 
unpaid,  or  the  same  be  not  remitted  for  good  cause,  or  the  time 
of  payment  be  not  extended  by  a  majority  vote  of  the  members 
present,  the  High  Priest,  upon  proof  of  notice  and  the  fact 
of    arrearage,    shall    put    the    question:      "Shall    Companion 

be   excluded   for   non-payment   of   his    dues?" 

Which  shall  be  determined  by  paper  ballot;  and  if  a  majority 
'of  those  present  vote  "yes,"  the  High  Priest  shall  declare  the 
Companion  excluded  until  his  dues  are  paid. 

Payment  of  dues  before  the  ballot  is  taken  shall  stop  pro- 
ceedings. 

ARTICLE  XVII 

OFFENCES 

Section  1.  Whatever  is  a  breach  of  good  morals,  or  a 
violation  of  the  laws  of  the  State,  is  an  offence  against  the 
precepts  of  Masonry,  and  must  be  dealt  with  promptly  and 
efficiently. 

WHEN  THE  HIGH  PRIEST  MAY  EXCLUDE  A 
ROYAL    ARCH    MASON 

Sec.  2.  The  High  Priest  has  a  right,  and  it  is  his  duty, 
to  exclude  from  the  Chapter  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  who,  by  his 
perverseness  or  contumacy,  may  interfere  with  the  proper 
workings  of  the  Chapter  or  disturb  its  harmony. 

PENALTIES,  ENUMERATION   OF 

Sec.  3.  The  only  penalties  for  offences  against  Masonic 
law  and  propriety  are  three,  viz. : 

1.  Reprimand. 

2.  Suspension  for  a  definite  period. 

3.  Expulsion. 

Each  of  which  must  be  inflicted  according  to  the  nature  and 
desree  of  the  offence  committed. 


42  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

suspended  companion — status  at  expiration 

op  time  op 

Sec.  4.  The  expiration  of  the  time  for  which  a  Companion 
may  have  been  suspended  fully  restores  him  without  further 
action  of  the  Chapter,  except  that  the  Secretary  must  note  the 
fact  upon  the  records  and  immediately  announce  the  same  to 
the  Chapter. 

SUSPENDED  MEMBER — DUES   NOT  CHARGEABLE  TO 
I 

Sec.  5.  A  member  suspended  for  any  cause  is  not  charge- 
able with  dues  during  such  suspension. 

SUSPENSION    OR   EXPULSION    BY   CHAPTER 

Sec.  6.  A  sentence  of  suspension  or  expulsion  by  a  Chapter 
will  be  in  force  from  and  after  the  passage  thereof,  until 
removed  by  the  Chapter  pronouncing  the  same,  or  by  the 
Grand  Chapter. 

SHALE    NOT    BE    PUBLISHED   BY    CHAPTER 

Sec.  7.  In  no  case  shall  a  Chapter  publish  the  suspension  or 
expulsion  of  any  of  its  members. 

BY  LODGE,  EFFECT  OF 

Sec.  8.  A  suspension  or  expulsion  for  any  cause  by  a  Lodge 
of  Master  Masons  is  effectually  a  suspension  or  expulsion  from 
a  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons. 

ARTICLE  XVIII 

ALLOWANCES  AND  SALARY 

Section  1.  The  expenses  of  the  Grand  High  Priest,  the 
Grand  Treasurer,  the  Grand  Secretary,  the  Grand  Lecturer, 
the  Grand  Tyler  and  the  Chairman  of  the  Finance  Committee 
in  attending  the  Convocations  of  this  Grand  Chapter  shall  be 
paid. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  43 

The  expenses  of  the  Grand  High  Priest  or  his  proxy  in 
attending-  the  Convocations  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  shall 
be  paid. 

Sec.  2.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall  receive  from  the  funds 
of  this  Grand  Chapter,  for  his  services  as  Grand  Secretary, 
when  faithfully  performed,  the  annual  salary  of  four  hundred 
dollars,  payable  quarterly. 

Sec.  3.  The  Grand  Officers,  Past  Grand  High  Priests,  Past 
Deputy  Grand  High  Priests,  Past  Grand  Kings,  Past  Grand 
Scribes,  Past  Grand  Chaplains,  and  one  representative  (rank- 
ing officer  present)  from  each  Chartered  Chapter  in  this  juris- 
diction, shall  receive  at  each  Annual  Convocation  a  sum  equal 
to  two  and  one-half  cents  per  mile  going  to  the  Annual  Convo- 
cation and  returning  therefrom  by  the  most  direct  route  of 
travel,  but  no  representative  of  a  Chapter  will  be  entitled  to 
receive  any  mileage  until  the  dues  of  his  Chapter  are  paid,  nor 
shall  he  be  entitled  to  receive  more  than  one-fourth  of  the 
aggregate  amount  of  Grand  Chapter  dues  paid  by  his  Chapter ; 
Provided,  However,  the  most  direct  route  of  travel  (for  com- 
puting mileage)  is  hereby  defined  to  be  the  shortest  traveled 
route  between  two  points,  whether  it  be  by  rail  or  other  public 
conveyance,  over  which  the  representative  may  travel  with 
reasonable  dispatch  to  the  place  of  holding  the  Annual  Con- 
vocation. 

The  Grand  Chapter  may,  in  its  discretion  at  any  time,  reduce 
the  rate  per  mile  payable  to  its  members  entitled  to  mileage, 
the  same  being  done  by  a  majority  vote,  and  it  may  also  be 
restored  to  the  above  at  any  time  by  a  majority  vote. 

At  each  Annual  Convocation  the  Committee  on  Mileage 
shall  recommend  to  the  Grand  Chapter  the  mileage  to  be  paid 
at  the  succeeding  Annual  Convocation,  and  the  rate  of  mileage 
shall  then  be  fixed  for  the  ensuing  Convocation. 

Sec.  4.  The  Grand  Treasurer  shall  receive  an  annual  salary 
of  fifty  dollars. 

Sec.  5.  The  Grand  Librarian  shall  receive  an  annual  salary 
of  fifty  dollars. 


44  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

Sec.  6.  The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Finance  is  re- 
quired to  be  at  the  place  of  meeting  of  the  Annual  Convocation 
at  least  one  day,  and  longer  if  necessary,  before  the  Annual 
Convocation  for  the  purpose  of  auditing  the  books  of  the  Grand 
Chapter.  He  shall  receive  an  annual  salary  of  twenty-five 
dollars. 

Sec.  7.  The  Chairman  of  ihe  Committee  on  Fraternal  Cor- 
respondence shall  receive  an  annual  salary  of  one  hundred  dol- 
lars. , 

ARTICLE  XIX 
TRIALS 

OFFENCES 

Section  1.  A  Mark  Master,  Past  Master,  Most  Excellent 
Master  or  Royal  Arch  Mason  may  be  proceeded  against  by 
trial,  as  hereinafter  provided,  for  the  violation  of  the  moral  and 
Masonic  law. 

PENAE  JURISDICTION 

Sec.  2.  A  Chapter  has  penal  jurisdiction  over  all  its  mem- 
bers, and  over  all  its  Mark  Masters,  Past  Masters  and  Most 
Excellent  Masters,  wheresoever  residing,  and  over  all  Mark 
Masters,  Past  Masters  and  Most  Excellent  Masters,  and  over 
all  Royal  Arch  Masons,  affiliated  or  unaffiliated,  residing  or 
sojourning  within  its  territorial  jurisdiction. 

A  Chapter  has  jurisdiction  to  try  any  Mark  Master,  Past 
Master,  Most  Excellent  Master  or  Royal  Arch  Mason,  affili- 
ated or  unaffiliated,  for  offences  committed  within  its  terri- 
torial jurisdiction,  but  such  Chapter  shall  notify  the  Chapter, 
if  known,  of  which  the  accused  is  a  member,  of  the  pendency 
of  the  charge,  and,  if  requested  to  do  so,  within  thirty  days 
after  such  notice,  may,  and  by  direction  of  the  Grand  High 
Priest,  shall  transfer  the  case  to  such  Chapter  for  trial,  and 
the  case  shall  there  proceed  as  though  begun  in  that  Chapter. 
If  no  such  request  be  made,  then  the  Chapter  first  receiving  the 
charge  shall  proceed  with  the  trial. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  45 

No  Chapter  can  entertain  charges  against  the  High  Priest 
of  any  Chapter  during  his  term  of  office,  as  exclusive  jurisdic- 
tion to  arraign  and  try  him,  while  he  is  High  Priest,  belongs 
to  the  Grand  Chapter,  but,  after  the  expiration  of  the  term  of 
office  of  the  High  Priest,  he  may  be  presented  for  any  offence 
committed  by  him  while  High  Priest,  except  for  official  mis- 
conduct. 

WHO  MAY  PREFER  CHARGES 

Sec.  3.  Any  Royal  Arch  Mason  in  good  standing  may 
prefer  charges  in  any  Chapter  having  jurisdiction,  as  above 
stated.  When  the  High  Priest  or  the  Chapter  directs  a  charge 
to  be  preferred,  it  must  be  done  by  the  Scribe. 

CHARGE 

Sec.  4.  A  charge  must  be  in  writing,  and  contain  an  orderly 
statement  of  the  facts  constituting  the  offence.  It  should  be 
brief,  should  avoid  repetition,  clearly  define  the  offence,  and 
contain  an  accurate  statement  of  the  time,  place  and  circum- 
stances of  its  commission.  For  convenience,  such  writing 
(including  the  specifications)  is  designated  in  these  laws  as  a 
charge. 

FORM 

Sec.  5.  A  charge  may  be  substantially  in  the  following 
form ;  more  than  one  specification  may  be  embraced  in  one 
charge : 

To  the  High  Priest,  King,  Scribe  and  Companions  of 

Chapter  No ,  R.  A.  Masons: 

I  hereby  charge  Companion ,  member  of 

Chapter  No ,  R.  A.  M.  (or  Mark  Master,  Past 

Master,  Most  Excellent  Master,  or  non-affiliate,  or  a  Companion  whose 
Chapter  membership  is  unknown  to  me),  with  unmasonic  conduct,  as 
follows  : 

Specification — That  Companion ,  on  or  about  the 

day  of 19 at  the  town  (or  city)  of 

in county,  did  (set  forth  the  facts  constituting  the  offence, 

as,  without  just  cause,  wrongfully  strike  Companion ,  etc.) 

in  violation  of  his  duty  as  a  Royal  Arch  Mason,  and  to  the  scandal  and 
disgrace  of  the  Masonic  fraternity. 


46  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

If  either  of  the  offences  be  a  continuous  one,  as  habitual  drunkenness, 

say :     Specification — That  the  said  Companion,  ,  on  or 

about  the day  of 19. . . .,  at  the  town  (or  city) 

of ,  in County,  and  on  other  days  and  times, 

did  become  and  was  intoxicated,  in  violation  of  his  duty  as  a  Royal 
Arch  Mason,  and  to  the  scandal  and  disgrace  of  the  Masonic  fraternity. 

And  I  declare  upon  my  honor  as  a  Royal  Arch  Mason,  that  I  make 
this  charge  for  the  general  good  of  Masonry  and  in  defense  of  the 
interests  of  the  fraternity. 

Fraternally  submitted, 

A B 

,19....  Scribe. 

The  following  are  witnesses  in  the  case : 


BY   WHOM    PROSECUTED 


Sec.  6.  The  Scribe,  shall  conduct  the  prosecution,  unless 
some  other  Royal  Arch  Mason  in  good  standing  is  appointed 
by  the  High  Priest  to  prosecute  the  case. 

WHEN    PRESENTED 

Sec.  7.  The  charge  must  be  presented  in  open  Chapter,  at 
a  stated  Convocation,  and  entered  in  full  upon  the  records 
which  must  show  the  disposition  made  of  it. 

WHAT   CPIARGES   NOT  ENTERTAINED 

Sec.  8.  No  Chapter  shall  entertain  a  charge  against  a  mem- 
ber for  the  purpose  of  adjusting  mere  legal  rights,  pecuniary 
or  otherwise,  unless  such  charge  specifies  fraud  on  the  part 
of  the  alleged  offender,  or  involves  moral  turpitude. 

TIME  AND   NOTICE  OF  TRIAL 

Sec  9.  When  a  charge  is  thus  preferred,  the  High  Priest 
shall  appoint  the  time  of  trial,  and  shall  cause  the  accused 
to  be  notified,  as  hereinafter  provided ;  and  he  shall  cause  all 
members  residing  in  the  territorial  jurisdiction  of  the  Chapter 
to  be  notified  of  the  time  of  the  trial.     Such  notice  shall  be 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  47 

either  printed  or  written,  and  signed  by  the  Secretary,  and  shall 
be  substantially  as  follows : 

To  Companion You  are  hereby  notified  that 

at  a  stated  Convocation  of Chapter  No ,  R.  A.  M., 

of  North  Carolina,  held ,  19. .  . .,  a  charge  of  unmasonic 

conduct  was  preferred  against  you,  a  true  copy  of  which  is  hereto 
annexed ;  and  you  are  requested  to  answer  the  same,  within  ten  days 
from  the  date  of  service  of  this  notice,  by  placing  on  file  with  the 
Secretary  of  said  Chapter  any  objections  you  may  have  to  the  sufficiency 
of  such  charge,  or  if  you  have  no  objections  thereto,  then  you  will  plead 
to  the  allegations  thereof  with  one  of  the  following  pleas : 

(1)  That  you  are  guilty  of  the  offence  charged. 

(2)  That  you  are  not  guilty  of  the  offence  charged. 

And  you  are  further  notified  that  at  a  meeting  of  said  Chapter,  to  be 

held  on evening ,  19 .... ,  commencing  at 

o'clock,  a  trial  of  said  charge  will  be  had.  You  are  further  notified  to 
appear  in  person,  or  by  any  Royal  Arch  Mason,  in  good  standing,  as 
counsel  for  you,  or  b}'  your  written  communication,  and  defend  such 
charge,  if  you  so  desire. 


Secretary. 
SERVICE 


Sec.  10.  The  Secretary  shall  deliver,  or  cause  to  be  deliv- 
ered, to  the  accused,  by  a  Royal  Arch  Mason,  or  mail  to  him, 
in  a  sealed  envelope,  addressed  to  him  at  his  present  or  last 
known  residence,  a  copy  of  such  charge  at  least  fifteen  days 
before  the  time  appointed  for  the  trial. 

If  the  residence  of  the  accused  be  not  within  the  territorial 
jurisdiction  of  said  Chapter,  then  the  said  Secretary  shall 
cause  a  copy  of  said  notice  and  charge  to  be  deposited  in  the 
mail  at  least  twenty  days  before  the  time  appointed  for  the 
trial,  addressed  to  the  accused  at  his  present  or  last  known 
place  of  residence,  which  shall  be  good  service  of  such 
notice. 

PROOF  OF   SERVICE 

Sec.  11.  The  proof  of  service  of  such  notice  shall  be  as 
follows :  By  endorsing  on  the  back  of  said  notice  one  of  the 
following  certificates,  as  may  state  the  facts : 


48  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

I  hereby  certify  that  I  did,  on ,  19.  .  .,  deliver  to  Com- 
panion  a  true  copy  of  the  within  notice,  together  with 

a  copy  of  the  charge  therein  referred  to. 

(Signed)  A B 

Secretary,  or  a  Royal  Arch  Mason. 

Or: 

I  hereby  certify  that  on ,  19.  . .  .,  I  deposited  in  the  post- 
office  at a  true  copy  of  the  within  notice,  together  with 

a    copy  of   the   charge   therein    referred   to,    addressed    to    Companion 

at ,  his  present  or  last  known  place  of 

residence. 

(Signed)   A B 

Secretary. 

TRIAL    WITHOUT    SERVICE 

Sec.  12.  If  the  residence  of  the  accused  be  unknown,  the 
trial  may  be  had  without  service  of  notice. 

appearance 

Sec.  13.  The  accused  may  answer  such  charge  within  the 
time  specified  in  the  notice,  by  his  written  communication, 
or  that  of  his  counsel,  who  shall  be  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  in 
good  standing,  in  which  he  may  present  his  plea  to  the  charge, 
which  shall  be  either  objection  to  the  sufficiency  of  the  charge, 
plea  of  guilty  or  not  guilty,  and  any  matter  in  explanation  or 
extenuation  of  the  offence  charged. 

Sec.  14.  A  plea  to  the  charge  is  a  statement  in  writing, 
signed  by  the  accused,  or  by  his  counsel,  in  one  of  the  follow- 
ing forms : 

"Now  comes  the  accused  and  says  that,  admitting  the  state- 
ments of  the  charge  and  specifications  be  true,  they  do  not 
constitute  a  Masonic  offence" ;  or  "Now  comes  the  accused  and 
says  that  he  is  guilty  as  charged" ;  or  "Now  comes  the  accused 
and  says  he  is  not  guilty,  as  stated  in  the  charge  and  specifi- 
cation." . 

PLEA  OF  GUILTY 

Sec.  15.  If  a  plea  of  guilty  be  entered,  no  trial  shall  be 
necessary,  but  the  Chapter  at  the  time  appointed  for  the  trial 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  49 

shall  inflict  punishment,  and  may  hear  evidence  to  determine 
the  nature  thereof. 

SUFFICIENCY   OF   CHARGE 

Sec.  16.  If  the  plea  be  that  the  facts  in  the  charge  and 
specifications,  if  true,  do  not  constitute  a  Masonic  offence,  the 
question  shall  be  determined  by  the  High  Priest. 

TRIAL 

Sec.  17.  If  a  plea  of  not  guilty  be  entered,  the  trial  shall 
proceed  at  the  time  fixed  in  the  notice,  unless  continued  to  a 
later  date  for  cause. 

Sec.  18.  The  testimony  of  all  resident  Masons  who  can 
attend  the  Chapter  shall  be  given  orally  in  open  Chapter  at  the 
trial. 

The  High  Priest  shall,  upon  the  request  of  the  accuser  or  of 
the  accused,  appoint  a  committee  of  three  Royal  Arch  Masons, 
who  are  impartial  and  not  interested  in  the  result  of  said  trail, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  take  the  testimony  of  Master  Masons 
or  profanes,  and  also  of  all  Royal  Arch  Masons  residing  within 
the  territorial  jurisdiction  of  the  Chapter,  who  are  unable,  by 
reason  of  physical  disability  or  otherwise,  to  attend  the  Chap- 
ter. 

The  High  Priest  may  appoint  the  same  or  another  com- 
mittee to  take  the  testimony  of  Master  Masons  or  profanes  or 
of  Royal  Arch  Masons  residing  without  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Chapter. 

NOTICE  OF  TAKING  SAME 

Sec.  19.  The  persons  so  appointed  to  take  evidence  shall 
give  reasonable  notice  to  the  accused  and  the  accuser,  or  their 
counsel,  respectively,  if  known,  when  and  where  such  testi- 
mony will  be  taken  by  them. 

HOW    TAKEN 

Sec.  20.  The  testimony  of  Masons  shall  be  upon  their  Ma- 
sonic honor,  written  down  and  subscribed  by  them.     The  tes- 


50  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

timony  of  profanes  shall  be  written,  subscribed  and  sworn  to 
before  any  civil  officer  authorized  to  administer  oaths. 

WITNESSES 

Sec.  21.  The  witnesses  in  all  trials,  whether  Masons  or  not, 
shall  be  persons  who  have  the  use  of  their  reason,  and  such 
religious  belief  as  to  feel  the  obligation  of  an  oath.  In  the 
trial  of  any  Royal  Arch  Mason  the  accused  may  testify  in  his 
own  behalf,  and  shall  be  subject  to  cross-examination  the  same 
as  other  witnesses. 

WIFE  AS  A  WITNESS 

Sec.  22.  The  wife  of  the  accused  shall  be  a  competent  wit- 
ness either  for  or  against  him. 

RECORD    EVIDENCE 

Sec.  23.  The  record  of  a  court  of  competent  jurisdiction, 
duly  certified,  showing  indictment,  arraignment,  conviction  and 
sentence  of  the  accused,  according  to  forms  of  law,  for  the 
same  offence  for  which  he  is  being  tried  by  the  Chapter,  is  legal 
and  competent  evidence  against  the  accused,  and  shall  be  ad- 
mitted at  the  trial. 

Where  the  pleadings  in  a  civil  suit,  to  which  a  Royal  Arch 
Mason  is  a  party,  and  in  which  he  has  the  right  as  well  as  the 
opportunity  to  appear,  present  the  sole  issue  as  to  his  guilt  or 
innocence  of  a  crime,  the  judgment  or  decree  therein  is  compe- 
tent evidence  in  a  Masonic  trial  for  the  same  offence. 

SUMMONS 

Sec.  24.  The  High  Priest  may,  at  the  request  of  either  the 
accused  or  the  accuser,  order  a  summons  to  issue  to  any  Royal 
Arch  Mason  residing  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Chapter, 
to  attend  at  the  time  set  for  the  trial,  for  the  purpose  of  giv- 
ing evidence  in  the  case. 

TRIALS 

Sec.  25.  All  trials  shall  be  in  the  highest  degree  to  which 
the  accused  has  attained,  and  both  the  accused  and  the  accuser 


Grand  Royae  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  51 

shall  have  the  right  to  be  present  in  person,  or  by  counsel, 
during  the  trial. 

argument 

Sec.  26.  After  the  hearing  of  the  testimony,  the  accuser 
and  the  accused,  or  their  respective  counsel,  shall  be  heard  in 
argument,  if  they  so  desire :  Provided,  That  the  Chapter  may 
limit  the  time  of  such  argument. 

ACCUSED  AND  ACCUSER   MUST  RETIRE 

Sec.  27.  After  the  testimony  and  argument  are  concluded, 
the  accused  and  the  accuser  shall  retire,  and  the  Chapter,  if 
not  already  so,  must  be  opened  in  the  Royal  Arch  Degree,  in 
case  the  trial  has  been  in  a  Lodge  of  Mark  Masters,  Past 
Masters  or  Most  Excellent  Masters :  Provided,  That  if  the 
charge  has  been  preferred  by  the  Scribe  he  shall  not  be  re- 
quired to  retire. 

VOTING 

Sec.  28.  The  High  Priest  shall  submit  to  the  Chapter  the 
question  on  each  specification  consecutively :  "Is  the  accused 

guilty  or  not  guilty  of  the  offence  in  specification  No ?" 

Each  member  shall  deposit  his  ballot  with  the  words  written 
thereon,  "guilty,"  or  "not  guilty,''  as  he  may  decide,  and  unless 
two-thirds  of  the  ballots  so  cast  shall  be  "guilty,"'  the  accused 
shall  be  declared  not  guilty  of  the  offence  in  such  specification. 
No  vote  shall  be  taken  on  the  charge. 

PUNISHMENT 

Sec.  29.  If  the  verdict  be  "guilty,"  on  either  or  all  of  the 
specifications,  the  Chapter  must  impose  the  punishment  either 
by  expulsion,  or  by  suspension  for  a  stated  time,  to  be  deter- 
mined by  a  majority  vote,  by  ballot,  or  by  reprimand  as  here- 
inafter stated.  The  High  Priest  or  presiding  officer  shall  put 
the  question  first  on  expulsion.  If  a  majority  present  vote  for 
expulsion,  then  the  accused  shall  stand  expelled ;  but  if  less 
than  a  majority  present  vote  for  expulsion,  then  the  question 


52  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

shall  be  on  suspension,  then  the  time  shall  be  determined  by 
beginning  with  the  longest  time  proposed,  and  so  on  down  until 
some  time  shall  be  adopted;  if  less  than  a  majority  of  those 
present  vote  for  suspension,  then  a  reprimand  shall  be  admin- 
istered in  open  Chapter  by  the  High  Priest,  or  by  some  Com- 
panion designated  by  him. 

visitors 

Sec.  30.  No  Royal  Arch  Masons,  other  than  counsel  and 
witnesses,  shall  be  admitted  as  visitors  to  a  Chapter  during  a 
trial  except  by  consent  of  the  Chapter. 

CHANGE  OF  VENUE 

Sec.  31.  No  change  of  venue  shall  be  granted  to  any  other 
Chapter. 

WHO   MAY  TAKE  APPEALS 

Sec.  32.  The  accused,  or  any  member  of  the  Chapter  feel- 
ing aggrieved  by  the  decision  of  the  Chapter  upon  the  trial 
of  any  Companion,  may  take  an  appeal  from  the  judgment  and 
decision  of  the  Chapter  to  the  Grand  Chapter. 

APPEALS,    HOW    TAKEN 

Sec.  33.  Appeals  must  be  in  writing,  and  may  be  in  the 
following  form : 

FORM    OP   APPEAL 

,  N.  C,  ,  19.... 

To  the  High  Priest,  King,  Scribe  and  Companions  of Chapter 

No ,  R.  A.  M.: 

Companions — I,  ,  a  Royal  Arch  Mason,  and  a  mem- 
ber of Chapter  No ,  do  declare  upon  my  honor  as 

a  Royal  Arch  Mason  that  I  feel  materially  aggrieved  by  your  decision 

in  the  case  of ;  and  for  a  rehearing  of  the  case,  and  to 

the  end  that  justice  may  be  done  in  the  matter,  do  take  an  appeal  to 
the  M.  E.  Grand  Chapter  for  the  following  reasons : 

First 

Second 

Appellant. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  53 

time;  for  appeal, 

Sec.  34.  Such  appeal  shall  be  filed  with  the  Secretary  of 
the  Chapter  within  sixty  days  after  the  trial  and  judgment, 
and  not  afterwards. 

NOTICE  OF  appeal 

Sec.  35.  The  appellant  shall,  at  the  time  he  files  said  appeal 
with  the  Secretary,  give  notice  in  writing  to  the  opposite  party 
that  he  has  appealed  to  the  Grand  Chapter,  which  notice  shall 
be  served  as  other  notices,  and  the  notice,  with  the  return  of 
service  endorsed  thereon,  shall  be  filed  with  the  Secretary. 
The  said  notice  shall  be  substantially  in  the  following  form: 

To :      • 

You  are   hereby  notified   that  I   have  taken  an  appeal  to  the   Grand 

Chapter  of  North  Carolina  from  the  decision  and  judgment  of 

Chapter  No ,  R.  A.  M.,  rendered  on ,  19.  ..  .,  in  the 

matter  of  the  charge  against  me  (or  against  Comp ),  by 

Comp ,  and  which  was  heard  and  tried  at  that  date. 

Appellant. 

PERFECTING   AND   TRANSMITTING  RECORD 

Sec.  36.  The  Secretary  shall  endorse  on  such  appeal  and 
notice  the  day  of  their  filing  in  his  office,  and  if  the  appeal  was 
filed  with  him  within  sixty  days  after  the  judgment  was  ren- 
dered, and  notice  thereof  was  served,  as  provided  in  the  last 
section,  then  the  Secretary  shall  immediately  make  out  and 
send  to  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Chapter  a  true  copy 
of  all  record  entries  in  said  cause,  and  of  the  charge  and 
specifications,  together  with  all  the  evidence  in  the  case  and  the 
appeal  and  notice  thereof  served  on  the  opposite  party :  Pro- 
vided, That  both  parties  to  said  cause  shall  have  the  privilege 
of  examining  and  noting  objections  to  said  transcript  before 
the  same  is  sent  up. 

OBJECTIONS  TO  TRANSCRIPT 

Sec.  37.  If  the  parties  fail  or  refuse  to  examine  said  tran- 
script and  note  the  errors  in  it  before  it  is  sent  up,  they  shall 


54  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

not  be  allowed  to  object  to  its  correctness  after  it  reaches  the 
Grand  Chapter. 

APPEAL   IN   GRAND  CHAPTER 

Sec.  38.  On  receipt  of  the  transcript,  evidence,  appeal  and 
notice  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  the  Grand  Chapter  shall  be 
possessed  of  the  case  and  shall  determine  the  same  on  the 
record  and  evidence  so  transmitted. 

JUDGMENT  OF  GRAND  CHAPTER 

Sec.  39.  The  judgment  of  the  Grand  Chapter  shall  be  either 
that  the  judgment  below  be  affirmed,  or  that  it  be  reversed  and 
the  cause  be  dismissed,  or  the  Grand  Chapter  may  disregard 
the  proceedings  of  the  Chapter  and  pronounce  judgment  upon 
the  record  and  evidence  sent  up. 

EEEECT  OF  GRAND  CHAPTER  JUDGMENT 

Sec.  40.  If  the  accused  has  been  expelled  or  suspended  by 
the  Chapter,  and  its  judgment  is  reversed  and  the  cause  dis- 
missed by  the  Grand  Chapter,  he  will  thereby  be  restored  to 
whatever  Chapter  standing  and  membership  he  held  when  the 
charge  was  preferred  against  him;  if  the  judgment  be  re- 
versed and  the  cause  be  remanded  for  a  new  trial,  and  such 
new  trial  result  in  his  acquittal,  he  is  thereby  restored  to  his 
former  Chapter  membership  and  standing. 

STATUS  OF  THE  ACCUSED  PENDING  APPEAL 

Sec.  41.  If  the  accused  was  acquitted  by  the  Chapter,  his 
status,  pending  the  appeal  in  the  Grand  Chapter,  is  that  of  a 
member  with  charges  pending  against  him ;  if  he  was  sus- 
pended or  expelled  by  the  Chapter,  he  shall  so  remain  until 
the  suspension  or  expulsion  shall  be  removed  by  the  Grand 
Chapter,  when  he  shall  be  restored  to  his  former  Chapter 
membership. 

PROMULGATION    OF    JUDGMENTS 

Sec.  42.  The  printed  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Chapter 
are  the   official   announcements   of   its   judgments,   and   when 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  55 

they  show  a  new  trial  has  been  ordered,  or  other  proceedings 
had  in  any  case,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Chapter  to  act  accordingly. 

restoration 

Sec.  43.  A  suspended  or  expelled  Royal  Arch  Mason,  wish- 
ing to  be  restored,  must  petition  the  Chapter  which  suspended 
or  expelled  him.  His  petition  shall  be  presented  at  a  stated 
Convocation  of  such  Chapter,  and  lie  over  to  the  next  stated 
meeting  thereof,  but  need  not  be  referred  to  a  committee,  and 
the  members  of  such  Chapter  shall  be  notified  that  said  petition 
had  been  presented  and  would  be  acted  on  at  the  next  stated 
Convocation  of  the  Chapter ;  at  such  meeting,  the  vote  shall 
be  taken  by  paper  ballot,  and  if  it  be  unanimous  for  restoration, 
he  shall  be  restored  to  his  original  Chapter  membership  and 
standing.  If  he  receives  less  than  an  unanimous  vote  for  resto- 
ration, he  may  then  petition  the  Grand  Chapter  to  be  restored, 
setting  out  in  his  petition  the  fact  that  he  had  applied  to,  and 
been  rejected  by,  the  Chapter. 

The  Grand  Chapter  has  the  right  to  restore  an  expelled 
Royal  Arch  Mason  to  good  Masonic  standing,  but  not  to 
membership. 

If  the  Chapter  in  which  the  original  proceedings  were  had 
be  not  in  existence,  then  he  may  petition  the  Grand  Chapter, 
originally,  but  should  accompany  his  petitilon  with  a  recom- 
mendation from  the  Chapter  in  whose  jurisdiction  he  resides. 

Petition  for  restoration  to  the  Grand  Chapter,  originally, 
can  only  be  made  when  the  judgment  was  inflicted  by  the 
Grand  Chapter,  except  when  the  Chapter  is  not  in  existence, 
as  provided  in  the  preceding  section. 

CHARGES  AGAINST  THE  HIGH  PRIEST  OF  A  CHAPTER 

Sec.  44.  Whenever  a  charge  shall  be  presented  to  the 
Grand  High  Priest  in  vacation,  against  the  High  Priest  of 
a  Chapter,  charging  him  with  official  misconduct,  or  with  un- 
masonic  or  immoral  conduct,  the  Grand  High  Priest,  on  receipt 
of  the  same,  shall  cause  a  true  copy  to  be  served  on  the 
accused ;  and  if,  after  investigation,  he  believe  the  charge  to 


56  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

be  without  sufficient  foundation,  he  shall  report  accordingly 
to  the  next  Grand  Chapter;  but  if  the  Grand  High  Priest 
believes  the  charge  to  be  well  founded,  he  shall  forthwith  sus- 
pend the  accused  from  ofhce,  and  notify  him  to  appear  before 
the  Grand  Chapter  at  its  next  Annual  Convocation,  to  answer 
the  charge  presented  against  him. 

ARTICLE  XX 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Section  1.  No  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  issue  or 
furnish  letters  or  documents  to  any  person  whatever,  to  be  used 
for  begging  purposes. 

CIRCULAR  LETTERS 

Sec  2.  The  issuance  and  sending  of  circular  applications 
for  charity,  or  for  donations  of  money  for  any  purpose  what- 
ever, by  Chapters  in  this  jurisdiction,  is  prohibited,  unless 
authorized  by  the  Grand  Chapter  or  Grand  High  Priest;  nor 
shall  any  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction  entertain  begging  cir- 
culars from  foreign  Chapters,  which  have  not  the  approval  of 
the  Grand  High  Priest  of  this  jurisdiction. 

OFFENCES   COMMITTED  BEFORE  APPLICATION 

Sec  3.  A  Royal  Arch  Mason  cannot  be  tried  for  offences 
committed  before  he  applied  for  the  degrees.  If,  however,  he 
purposely  withheld  from  the  Chapter  or  the  committee  of  in- 
vestigation matters  that  would  have  resulted  in  his  rejection 
if  known  at  the  time  of  his  election,  then  he  has  received  the 
degrees  through  fraudulent  imposition,  for  which  offence  he 
may  be  subjected  to  Masonic  discipline. 

CLOTHING    OF    OFFICERS    WHEN    CONFERRING   THE    R.    A.   DEGREE 

Sec  4.  The  High  Priest  is  clothed  in  a  robe  of  blue,  purple, 
scarlet  and  white,  and  is  decorated  with  a  breastplate  and  mitre. 

The  King  is  clothed  in  a  scarlet  robe,  with  a  crown  on  his 
head  and  a  sceptre  in  his  hand. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  57 

The  Scribe  is  clothed  in  a  purple  robe,  and  wears  a  turban 
of  the  same  color. 

The  Captain  of  the  Host  wears  a  coat  of  mail  and  helmet, 
and  is  armed  with  a  sword. 

The  Principal  Sojourner  wears  a  dark  or  drab-colored  robe 
with  a  rose-colored  border,  and  a  slouched  hat  and  carries  a 
pilgrim's  staff. 

The  Royal  Arch  Captain  wears  a  white  robe  and  cap  or 
helmet,  and  is  armed  with  a  sword,  and  bears  a  white  banner. 

The  Master  of  the  Third  Veil  wears  a  scarlet  robe  and 
turban,  the  Master  of  the  Second  Veil  a  purple  robe  and 
turban,  and  the  Master  of  the  First  Veil  a  blue  robe  and  tur- 
ban. Each  is  armed  with  a  sword,  and  bears  a  banner  of  the 
same  color  as  his  robe. 

JEWELS  OF  OFFICERS 

Sec.  5.  The  jewels  of  the  officers  of  Chapters  shall  be  of 
gold  or  yellow  metal,  suspended  within  a  triangle  of  the  same 
metal,  and  as  follows : 

High  Priest — Miter. 

King — A  level  surmounted  by  a  crown. 

Scribe — A  plumb  surmounted  by  a  turban. 

Captain  of  the  Host — A  triangular  plate  on  which  an  armed 
soldier  is  engraved. 

Principal  Sojourner — A  triangular  plate  on  which  a  pil- 
grim is  engraved. 

Royal  Arch  Captain  and  the  three  Masters  of  Veils — A 
sword. 

Treasurer — Crossed  keys. 

Secretary — Crossed  pens. 

Sentinel — Crossed  swords. 

APRONS 

Sec.  6.  The  apron  of  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  is  white  lamb- 
skin or  muslin  bound  with  scarlet.  It  should  be  fourteen 
inches  wide  and  thirteen  inches  deep,  square  at  the  corners 


58  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

with  a  triangular  flap,  on  which  should  be  placed  a  triple  tau, 
within  a  triangle,  and  all  within  a  circle. 

ELECTIONEERING   EOK    OFFICE 

Sec.  7.  Electioneering  for  office  in  the  Grand  Chapter,  or 
in  any  Chapter,  is  hereby  declared  to  be  contrary  to  Masonic 
usage,  and  is  prohibited. 

order  of  business 

Sec.  8. 

first  session 

1.  Opening  in  ample  form. 

2.  Appointment  and  Report  of  Committee  on  Credentials. 

3.  Grand  High  Priest's  Address,  which  shall  be  referred  to 
the  Committee  on  Doings  of  Grand  Officers. 

(If  the  Grand  Chapter  thinks  it  advisable,  the  Grand  High 
Priest's  Address  may  be  delivered  while  the  Committee  on 
Credentials  is   formulating  its  report.) 

4.  Appointment  of  Standing  Committees. 

5.  Report  of  Grand  Treasurer. 

6.  Report  of  Grand  Secretary. 

7.  Unfinished  business  from  last  meeting  of  Grand  Chapter. 

SECOND    SESSION 

1.  Election  of  Grand  Officers. 

2.  Reports  of  Special  Committees. 

3.  Reports  of  Standing  Committees. 

4.  Orphan  Asylum. 

5.  Miscellaneous  Business. 

THIRD    SESSION 

1.  Installation  of  Grand  Officers. 

2.  Reception  of  Representatives  from  other  Grand  Chap- 
ters. 

3.  Reports  of  Special  Committees. 

4.  Reports  of  Standing  Committees. 

5.  Miscellaneous  Business. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  59 

AT    ALL    SUBSEQUENT    SESSIONS 

1.  Reports  of  Special  Committees. 

2.  Reports  of  Standing  Committees. 

3.  Miscellaneous  Business. 

ARTICLE  XXI 

AMENDMENTS 

Section  1.  These  by-laws  may  be  amended  at  any  Annual 
Convocation  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  by  an  affirmative  vote  of 
two-thirds  of  the  members  present:  Provided,  That  if  they 
shall  have  been  revised  by  the  order  of  the  Grand  Chapter, 
the  revision  may  be  adopted  by  an  affirmative  vote  of  a  ma- 
jority of  the  members  present,  seriatim,  then  the  whole  by  a 
two-thirds  vote. 


FORMS 

PETITION  FOR  THE  DEGREES 

To  the  High  Priest,  King,  Scribe  and  Companions  of Chap- 
ter No ,  R.  A.  M.: 

The  undersigned  represents  that  he  was  regularly  initiated  an  En- 
tered Apprentice,  passed  to  the  Degree  of  Fellow  Craft,  and  raised  to 

the   Sublime  Degree  of  Master  Mason,  in Lodge   No , 

located   at ,   working  under   the  jurisdiction   of   the   Grand 

Lodge  of ;  that  having  the  good  of  the  Craft  at  heart, 

and  being  desirous  of  obtaining  more  light  in  Masonry,  he  fraternally 
offers  himself  as  a  candidate  for  the  degrees  conferred  in  your  Chapter. 
Should  his  petition  be  granted,  he  promises  a  faithful  compliance  with 
all  the  rules,  regulations  and  usages  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry. 

The  petitioner  further  represents  that  he  has  not  been  rejected  by  any 

Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons.     He  was  born  on  the day 

of 18....,   at ;  his   occupation   is ; 

his  residence  is ;  his  place  of  business  is 

,  19.... 


(Sign  name  in  full.) 
Recommended  by 


60  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

petition  for  affiliation 

To  the  High  Priest,  King,  Scribe  and  Companions  of Chap- 
ter No ,  R.  A.  M.: 

The    undersigned    fraternally    represents    that    he    is    a    Royal    Arch 

Mason  in  good  standing,  and  late  a  member  of Chapter 

No ,  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Chapter  of 

and  having  been  regularly  discharged  from  membership  in  said  Chap- 
ter, presents  his  demit  herewith,  and  is  desirous  of  affiliating  with  your 
Chapter,  if  found  worthy,  promising  a  cheerful  compliance  with  the 
by-laws  of  the  Chapter  and  the  usages  of  the  Fraternity. 

He  is  a  member  of Lodge  No located  at , 

under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 

He  was  born  on  the day  of ,  19 at 

;  his  occupation  is ;  and  his  residence  is 


,  19.:. 

Recommended  by  (Sign  name  in  full.) 


CERTIFICATE   OF   PROXY 

To  the  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  North  Carolina: 
Be  It  Known  :  That  pursuant  to  the  authority  given  me  by  the  Grand 

Chapter,  I  do  hereby  appoint  Companion ,  a  member  of 

this   Chapter,   my   proxy,  to    represent   me   at   the   Convocation   of  the 

Grand  Chapter,  to  be  holden  in  the  City  of ,  on  the 

day  of ,  19.... 


of Chapter   No. 

.,  19.... 


WAIVER  OF  JURISDICTION   IN  FAVOR  OF  ANOTHER  CHAPTER 

Hall  of Chapter  No R.  A.  M., 

,  19.... 

This  is  to  Certify  that  the  request  of Chapter 

No at ,  asking  this  Chapter  to  waive  jurisdiction 

over  Brother ,  a  resident  in  our  jurisdiction,  so  that  said 

Chapter  may  receive  and  act  on  his  petition,  was  presented  to  this  Chap- 
ter at  a  stated  Convocation  held  on  the day  of ,  19.  . . ., 

and  said  request  was 

By  order  of  the  Chapter.  

(Seal.)  Secretary. 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  op  N.  C.  61 

REQUEST  TO  ANOTHER  CHAPTER  TO  CONPER  DEGREES 

Hall  of Chapter  No ,  R.  A.  M., 

,    19.... 

This   is  to  Certify  that  at  a  stated   Convocation  of   this  Chapter, 

held 19 ... ,  upon  application  of  Bro ,  a 

of  this  Chapter,  it  was  ordered  that 

Chapter  No ,  at ,  j  urisdiction  of ,  be 

requested  to  confer  the  degrees  of upon  the  said  Bro. 

:,  he  being  now  within  the  jurisdiction  of  said  Chapter, 

and  I  further  certify  that  Bro was  duly  elected  by  this 

Chapter    to    receive    said    degrees    at    a    stated    Convocation    held    on 
,  19.... 

And  it  was  further  ordered  that  said  Chapter  be  requested  to  certify 
its  action  had  in  the  premises  to  this  Chapter. 

By  order  of  the  Chapter. 


(Seal.)  Secretary. 

PETITION    TO    CHAPTER   FOR   RESTORATION 

To  the  High  Priest,  King,  Scribe  and  Companions  of Chap- 
ter No ,  R.  A.  Masons: 

The  undersigned  respectfully  represents  that  he  was   (suspended  for 

years,  or  expelled,  as  the  case  may  be)  by  your  Chapter,  at  a 

Convocation  held  on  the day  of 19.  . .  .     He  now 

petitions  your  Chapter  to  restore  him  to  all  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  which  he  was  deprived  by  the  said  trial  and  sentence,  for  the  follow- 
ing reasons : 

(Here  insert  reasons.) 


PETITION   TO   GRAND   CHAPTER   EOR  RESTORATION 

,  N.  C,   ,19.... 

To  the  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  North  Carolina: 

The  undersigned  most  respectfully  represents  that  at  a  Convocation 

of Chapter  No. . .  .,  Royal  Arch  Masons,  held  on  the 

day  of ,  19.  . . .,  he  was  (suspended  for years, 

or  expelled,  as  the  case  may  be)  on  a  charge  of and  said 

Chapter  is  not  now  in  existence.  He  therefore  petitions  the  Grand 
Chapter  to  restore  him  to  his  rights  and  privileges  as  a  Royal  Arch 
Mason  for  the  following  reasons  : 

(Here  insert  reasons.) 


62  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

DECISIONS  OF  GRAND  HIGH  PRIESTS 

A  brother  was  elected  to  the  degrees  in  a  chapter  which  be- 
came dormant  after  he  had  received  only  the  Mark  Master's 
degree. 

Held — That  the  unfinished  material  of  a  dormant  Chapter  became 
the  property  of  the  nearest  Chapter. 

Andrews,  1908. 

A  brother  was  elected  to  the  degrees  but  before  any  were 
conferred   objection   was   made. 

Held — Such  objection  holds  up  advancement  until  it  is  withdrawn,  it 
having  the  same  effect  as  a  rejection. 

Andrews,  1908. 
NORFLEET,  1916. 

After  the  Mark  Master  degree  had  been  conferred  a  com- 
panion demands  a  ballot  upon  advancement. 

Held — That  while  petitioner  was  elected  to  the  degrees,  that  a  ballot 
could  be  demanded  on  passing  from  one  Chapter  degree  to  another  and 
that  the  objecting  Companion  need  not  file  specific  charges. 

Andrews,  1908. 
Cameron,  1913. 

A  Master  Mason,  formerly  a  resident  of  North  Carolina, 
after  a  year's  residence  in  the  jurisdiction  of  a  Tennessee 
chapter  was  elected  to  the  degrees  in  the  Tennessee  chapter. 
He  was  transferred  to  North  Carolina  before  any  degrees  were 
conferred  and  after  a  residence  of  three  months  applied  to  the 
North  Carolina  chapter. 

Held — The  petitioner  was  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Tennessee 
Chapter. 

Brasswell,  1909. 

A  North  Carolinian  residing  in  Panama  (United  States 
territory)  was  made  a  Mason  by  a  lodge  in  Panama  acting 
under  a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland. 
Later,  being  at  home,  he  applied  for  the  Capitular  degrees  in 
a  North  Carolina  chapter. 

Held— There  being  no  Grand  Lodge  of  Panama,  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  Scotland  had  the  right  to  issue  a  dispensation  to  the  lodge  in  Pan- 


Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  N.  C.  63 

ama  and  therefore  the  petitioner  was  a  regularly  made  Mason  and 
entitled  to  recognition  as  such  and  having  complied  with  the  require- 
ments of  the  by-laws  of  the  Grand  Chapter  of  North  Carolina,  the 
Chapter  had  the  right  to  receive  and  act  upon  the  petition. 

Brasswell,  1909. 

Can  more  than  one  team  of  three  be  taken  through  in  the 
R.  A.  degree  at  the  same  convocation? 

Held — Receive  the  candidates  under  the  L.  A.  and  obligate  them  in 
sets  of  three.    Then  take  them  as  a  class  through  the  rest  of  the  work. 

Murrill,  1912. 

Can  a  Master  Mason  who  has  lost  a  foot  since  becoming  a 
Mason  be  exalted? 

Held — He  could. 

Murrill,  1912. 

Later  he  changed  his  mind,  but  the  decision  was  upheld  by  the  juris- 
prudence committee. 

Can  the  Chapter  degrees  be  conferred  upon  a  brother  Master 
Mason  who  has  been  elected  but  became  non-affiliated  before 
receiving  the  degrees? 

Held — Membership  in  Chapter  is  dependent  on  and  co-existent  with 
membership  in  the  Lodge,  therefore  the  Chapter  has  no- right  to  confer 
the  degrees  while  he  remains  non-affiliated. 

Cameron,  1913. 

A  brother  received  three  degrees  in  a  Chapter.  Objection  to 
his  advancement  is  made  to  the  High  Priest.  The  candidate 
moves  to  another  State  and  wants  the  North  Carolina  Chapter 
to  request  a  Chapter  in  the  other  State  to  confer  the  remaining 
degree. 

Held — The  request  could  not  be  granted  until  the  objection  was  with- 
drawn. 

Cameron,  1913. 

Life  membership  is  permissible  if  provided  for  by  the  proper  by-laws, 
but  dues  must  be  paid  to  the  Grand  Chapter  the  same  as  upon  other 
members. 

Guerard,  1915. 


64  Constitution  and  By-Laws 

Brethren  in  Kings  Mountain  are  under  the  joint  jurisdiction  of  the 
Chapters  at  Shelby  and  Gastonia. 

Guekard,  1915. 

A  brother  temporarily  living  in  one  town  while  his  family 
lived  in  another  petitioned  for  the  Capitular  degrees  in  the  town 
where  he  was  temporarily  residing. 

Held — The  brother's  legal  residence  was  where  his  family  was  and 
he  was  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  nearest  Chapter  to  the  town  where 
his  family  resided. 

NorFLEET,  1916. 

A  brother  demitting  from  his  Lodge  is  automatically  dropped  from 
his  Chapter  and  upon  being  elected  in  another  Lodge  is  automatically 
restored  to  membership  in  his  Chapter. 

Norfleet,  1916. 


CEREMONIES 

FOR  THE 

ANNUAL  INSTALLATION  OF  OFFICERS 
OF  SUBORDINATE  CHAPTERS 


It  is  the  province  of  the  High  Priest  to  install  the  Companion  law- 
fully elected  to  succeed  him  in  office,  or  he  may  invite  a  duly  qualified 
Companion  to  perform  the  service.  The  Installing  Officer  (who  must 
be  a  High  Priest  or  Past  High  Priest)  representing  the  Grand  High 
Priest  of  the  jurisdiction  during  the  ceremony  of  installation,  is  entitled 
by  courtesy  to  recognition  as  such  for  the  time  being. 

The  interest  of  the  ceremonial  of  installation  may  be  enhanced  (should 
circumstances  permit)  by  the  employment  of  the  forms  laid  down  in 
the  ceremonial  for  the  Constituting  of  Chapters,  relating  to  the  pro- 
cession of  Grand  Officers,  and  their  movement  about  the  chapter  room. 

At  the  time  appointed  for  the  installation  of  the  officers  of  a  Chapter 
a  Past  High  Priest,  if  one  be  present,  and  if  not,  some  other  officer 
who  will  act  as  Grand  Captain  of  the  Host  for  the  occasion,  will  present 
the  High  Priest  elect  to  the  Installing  Officer  and  say: 

Most  Excellent:     I  present  Companion  ,-  who  has  been 

duly  elected  to  serve  this  Chapter  as  High  Priest  for  the 
ensuing  Masonic  year,  and  who  now  declares  himself  read}' 
for  installation. 

The  High  Priest  elect  then  turning  and  facing  the  Companions,  the 
Installing  Officer  will  say: 

Companions :    You  behold  before  you  Companion ,  who 

has  been  duly  elected  to  serve  this  Chapter  as  Excellent  High 
Priest,  and  who  now  declares  himself  ready  for  installation. 
If  any  of  you  have  any  reasons  to  urge  why  he  should  not  be 
installed,  you  will  make  them  known  now  or  forever  hereafter 
hold  your  peace.  Hearing  no  objections,  I  shall  proceed  to 
install  him. 

The  High  Priest  elect  again  facing  the  E.,  the  Installing  Officer  will 
address  him  as  follows  : 


66  Installation  Ceremonies 

Companion :  I  feel  much  satisfaction  in  performing  my 
duty  on  the  present  occasion  by  installing  you  into  the  office 
of  High  Priest  of  this  Chapter.  It  is  an  office  highly  honorable 
to  those  who  diligently  perform  the  important  duties  which 
belong  to  it.  Your  reputed  Masonic  knowledge,  however,  pre- 
cludes the  necessity  of  a  particular  enumeration  of  those  duties. 
I  shall,  therefore,  only  observe  that  by  a  frequent  recurrence  to 
the  Constitution  and  the  General  Regulations,  and  the  constant 
practice  of  the  several  sublime  lectures  and  charges,  you  will 
best  be  able  to  fulfill  them ;  and  I  am  confident  that  the  Com- 
panions who  are  chosen  to  assist  you  in  Council  will  give 
strength  to  your  endeavors  and  support  to  your  exertions.  I 
shall  now  propose  certain  questions  to  you,  relative  to  the 
duties  of  your  office,  to  which  I  must  request  your  unequivocal 
answer. 

1.  Do  you  solemnly  promise  that  you  will  redouble  your 
endeavors  to  correct  the  vices,  purify  the  morals,  and  promote 
the  happiness  of  those  of  your  Companions  who  have  attained 
the  sublime  degree  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  ? 

2.  That  you  will  never  suffer  your  Chapter  to  be  opened 
unless  there  be  present  nine  regular  Royal  Arch  Masons? 

3.  That  you  will  never  suffer  either  more  or  less  than  three 
brethren  to  be  exalted  in  your  Chapter  at  one  and  the  same  time  ? 

4.  That  you  will  not  exalt  anyone  to  this  degree  who  has 
not  shown  a  charitable  and  humane  disposition,  and  made  a 
considerable  proficiency  in  the  preparatory  degrees? 

5.  That  you  will  promote  the  general  good  of  the  Order, 
and,  on  all  proper  occasions,  be  ready  to  give  and  receive 
instructions,  particularly  from  the  General  and  State  Grand 
Officers  ? 

6.  That  to  the  utmost  of  your  power  you  will  preserve  the 
solemnity  of  our  ceremonies,  and  behave,  in  open  Chapter,  with 
the.  most  profound  respect  and  reverence,  as  an  example  to 
your  Companions? 

7.  That  you  will  not  acknowledge  or  have  intercourse  with 
any  Chapter  that  does  not  work  under  a  constitutional  warrant 
or  dispensation? 


of  Subordinate  Chapters  67 

8.  That  you  will  not  admit  any  visitor  into  your  Chapter 
who  has  not  been  exalted  in  a  Chapter  legally  constituted  with- 
out his  having  been  formally  healed? 

9.  That  you  will  observe  and  support  such  by-laws  as  may 
be  made  by  your  Chapter  in  conformity  to  the  Constitution  of 
the  General  Grand  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  of  the 
United  States  of  America  and  the  Constitution  and  General 
Regulations  of  the  Grand  Chapter  of  this  State? 

10.  That  you  will  pay  respect  and  due  obedience  to  the 
instructions  of  the  General  and  State  Grand  Officers,  particu- 
larly relating  to  the  several  Lectures  and  Charges,  and  will 
resign  the  chair  to  them,  severally,  when  they  may  visit  your 
Chapter? 

11.  That  you  will  support  and  observe  the  Constitution  of 
the  General  Grand  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  of  the 
United  States  of  America  and  the  Constitution  and  General 
Regulations  of  the  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  under  whose 
authority  you  act? 

12.  That  you  will  bind  your  successor  in  office  to  the  observ- 
ance of  these  rules  to  which  you  now  assent? 

Bo  you  submit  to  all  these  things,  and  do  you  promise  to 
observe  and  practice  them  faithfully? 
Anszver:     I  do. 

All  standing,  the  High  Priest  elect  kneeling  at  the  Altar,  the  Grand 
Chaplain  will  offer  the  following 

PRAYER 

Most  holy  and  glorious  Lord  God !  Hight  Priest  of  Heaven 
and  Earth !  We  approach  thee  with  reverence,  and  implore 
thy  blessing  upon  the  Companion  selected  to  preside  over  this 
Chapter,  and  now  prostrate  before  thee ;  fill  his  heart  with  thy 
fear,  that  his  tongue  and  actions  may  pronounce  thy  glory. 
Make  him  steadfast  in  thy  service ;  grant  him  firmness  of  mind ; 
animate  has  heart  and  strengthen  his  endeavors.  May  he 
teach  thy  judgments  and  thy  laws ;  and  may  the  incense  he 
shall  put  before  thee,  upon  thine  altar,  prove  an  acceptable 
sacrifice  unto  thee.    Bless  him,  O  Lord,  and  bless  the  work  of 


68  i  xsTAi,i,ATio.\  Ceremonies 

his  hands.  Accept  us  in  mercy;  hear  thou  from  heaven,  thy 
dwelling-place,  and  forgive  our  transgressions. 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high. 

Response:  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever 
shall  be,  world  without  end.    Amen.    So  mote  it  be. 

The  Installing  Officer  will  then  administer  the  following  obligation 
to  the  High  Priest  elect. 

I,  — — ,  do  promise  and  swear  that  I  will  serve  this  Chapter 
as  High  Priest  for  the  term  for  which  I  have  been  elected ; 
that  I  will  perform  all  the  duties  appertaining  to  that  office  to 
the  best  of  my  abilities,  and  will  support  and  maintain  the 
Constitution  and  General  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Chapter 
of  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  and  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  of  the  United  States  of 
America. 

The  Installing  Officer  will  then  cause  the  High  Priest  to  be  invested 
with  the  clothing  and  badge  of  his  office,  and  address  him  as  follows  : 

Excellent  Companion :  In  consequence  of  your  cheerful 
acquiescence  in  the  charges  which  you  have  heard  recited  you 
are  qualified  for  installation  as  the  High  Priest  of  this  Royal 
Arch  Chapter;  and  it  is  incumbent  upon  me,  on  this  occasion, 
to  point  out  some  of  the  particulars  appertaining  to  your  office, 
its  duties  and  dignity. 

The  High  Priest  of  every  Chapter  has  it  in  special  charge 
to  see  that  the  by-laws  of  his  Chapter  and  the  Constitution  and 
General  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Chapter  of  the  State,  as  well 
as  the  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  of  Royal 
Arch  Masons  of  the  United  States  of  America,  are  duly 
observed ;  that  all  the  officers  of  his  Chapter  perform  the  duties 
of  their  respective  offices  faithfully,  and  are  examples  of  dili- 
gence and  industry  to  their  Companions :  that  true  and  accurate 
records  of  all  the  proceedings  of  the  Chapter  are  kept  by  the 
Secretary;  that  the  Treasurer  keep  and  renders  exact  and  just 
accounts  of  all  the  moneys  and  other  property  belonging  to  the 
Chapter ;  that  correct  returns  he  made  annually  to  the  Grand 


of  Subordinate  Chapters  69 

Chapter ;  and  that  the  annual  dues  to  the  Grand  Chapter  be 
regularly  and  punctually  paid.  He  has  the  right  and  authority 
of  calling  the  members  of  his  Chapter  together  at  pleasure, 
upon  any  emergency  or  occurence  which  in  his  judgment  may 
require  their  meeting.  It  is  his  privilege  and  duty,  with  the 
King  and  Scribe,  to  attend  the  meetings  of  the  Grand  Chapter, 
either  in  person  or  by  proxy ;  and  the  well-being  of  the  institu- 
tion requires  that  this  duty  should  on  no  occasion  be  omitted. 

Let  the  Mitre  with  which  you  are  crowned  remind  you  of  the 
dignity  of  the  office  you  sustain,  and  its  inscription  impress 
upon  your  mind  a  sense  of  your  dependence  upon  God ;  that 
perfection  is  not  given  unto  man  upon  earth,  and  that  holiness 
belongeth  to  the  Lord  alone. 

The  Breast-Plate  with  which  you  are  decorated,  an  imitation 
of  that  upon  which  were  engraven  the  names  of  the  twelve 
tribes,  and  worn  by  the  High  Priest  of  Israel,  is  to  teach  you 
that  you  are  always  to  bear  in  mind  your  responsibility  to  the 
laws  and  ordinances  of  the  institution,  and  that  the  honor  and 
interests  of  your  Chapter  and  its  members  should  always  be 
near  your  heart. 

The  various  colors  of  the  robes  you  wear  are  emblematical 
of  every  grace  and  virtue  which  can  adorn  and  beautify  the 
human  mind;  each  of  which  will  be  briefly  illustrated  in  the 
course  of  the  charges  to  be  delivered  to  your  subordinate 
officers. 

MUSIC  OR  AN  ODE 

The  High  Priest  is  then  inducted  into  the  Oriental  Chair.  The  sub- 
ordinate officers  are  severally  presented  to  the  Installing  Officer  by  the 
acting  Grand  Captain  of  the  Host,  with  the  same  address  as  is  recited 
above,  and  the  same  call  is  made  in  each  case  of  objections.  They  are 
then  obligated  either  severally  or  together,  as  may  be  preferred,  and, 
the  appropriate  charge  being  read  by  the  Installing  Officer,  the  newly 
installed  officer  assumes  his  appropriate  station  in  the  Chapter. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  KING 

Companion :  The  important  station  in  this  Chapter  to  which 
you  have  been  elected  requires  from  you  exemplary  conduct, 


70  Installation  Ceremonies 

while  its  duties  demand  your  most  assiduous  attention.  You 
are  to  second  and  support  your  chief  in  all  the  requirements  of 
his  office,  and  should  casualties  at  any  time  prevent  his  attend- 
ance you  are  to  succeed  him  in  the  performance  of  his  duties. 

Your  badge,  the  Level  surmounted  by  a  Crown,  should 
remind  you  that  although  you  are  the  representative  of  a  King, 
and  exalted  by  office  above  your  Companions,  yet  that  you 
remain  upon  a  level  with  them  as  respects  your  duty  to  God, 
to  your  neighbor,  and  to  yourself ;  that  you  are  equally  bound 
with  them  to  be  obedient  to  the  laws  and  ordinances  of  the 
institution;  to  be  charitable,  humane,  and  just,  and  to  seek 
every  occasion  of  doing  good. 

Your  office  teaches  a  striking  lesson  of  humility.  The 
human  mind;  each  of  which  will  be  briefly  illustrated  in  the 
institutions  of  political  society  teach  us  to  consider  the  King 
as  the  chief  of  created  beings,  and  that  the  first  duty  of  his 
subjects  is  to  obey  his  mandates;  but  the  Royal  Arch  Degree, 
by  placing  the  King  in  a  situation  subordinate  to  that  of  the 
High  Priest,  teaches  us  that  our  duty  to  God  is  paramount  to 
all  other  duties,  and  should  ever  claim  the  priority  of  our 
obedience ;  and  that  however  strongly  we  may  be  bound  to 
obey  the  laws  of  civil  society,  yet  that  those  laws,  to  be  just, 
should  never  inter-meddle  with  matters  of  conscience,  nor 
dictate  articles  of  faith. 

The  Scarlet  Robe,  an  emblem  of  imperial  dignity,  should 
remind  you  of  the  paternal  concern  you  should  ever  feel  for 
the  Avelfare  of  your  Chapter,  and  the  Fervency  and  the  Zeal 
with  which  you  should  endeavor  to  promote  its  prosperity. 

In  presenting  to  you  the  Crown,  which  is  an  emblem  of 
royalty,  I  would  remind  you  that  to  reign  sovereign  in  the 
hearts  and  affections  of  men  must  be  far  more  grateful  to  a 
generous  and  benevolent  mind  than  to  rule  over  their  lives  and 
fortunes;  and  that  to  enable  you  to  enjoy  this  pre-eminence 
with  honor  and  satisfaction  you  must  subject  your  own  pas- 
sions and  prejudices  to  the  dominion  of  reason  and  charity. 

You  are  entitled  to  the  second  seat  in  the  council  of  your 
Companions.    Let  the  bright  example  of  your  illustrious  prede- 


of  Subordinate  Chapters  71 

cessor  in  the  Grand  Council  at  Jerusalem  stimulate  you  to  the 
faithful  discharge  of  your  duties ;  and  when  the  King  of x 
kings  shall  summon  you  into  His  immediate  presence,  from 
His  hands  may  you  receive  a  Crown  of  glory  which  shall  never 
fade  away. 

MUSIC  OR  AN   ODE 

CHARGE  TO  THE  SCRIBE 

Companion:  The  office  of  Scribe,  to  which  you  have  been 
elected,  is  a  very  important  and  responsible  one.  In  the  absence 
of  your  superior  officers  you  are  bound  to  succeed  them  and 
to  perform  their  duties.  The  purposes  of  this  institution  ought 
never  to  suffer  for  want  of  intelligence  in  its  proper  officers ; 
you  will,  therefore,  perceive  the  necessity  there  is  of  possessing 
such  qualifications  as  will  enable  you  to  accomplish  those  duties 
which  are  incumbent  upon  you,  in  your  appropriate  station, 
as  well  as  those  which  may  occasionally  devolve  upon  you  by 
the  absence  of  your  superiors. 

The  Purple  Robe  with  which  you  are  invested  is  an  emblem 
of  Union,  and  will  remind  you  that  harmony  and  unanimity 
of  the  Chapter  should  be  your  constant  aim ;  and  to  this  end 
you  are  studiously  to  avoid  all  occasions  of  giving  offense,  or 
countenancing  anything  that  may  create  divisions  or  dissension. 
Your  are  to  endeavor,  by  all  means  in  your  power,  to  establish 
a  permanent  union  and  good  understanding  among  all  degrees 
and  orders  of  Masonry ;  and  as  the  glorious  sun,  at  its  meridian 
height,  dispels  the  mists  and  clouds  which  obscure  the  horizon, 
so  may  your  exertions  tend  to  dissipate  the  gloom  of  jealousy 
and  discord  whenever  they  may  appear. 

Your  badge,  a  Plumb-Rule  surmounted  by  the  Turban,  is 
an  emblem  of  rectitude  and  vigilance ;  and  while  you  stand  as 
a  watchman  on  the  tower,  to  guard  your  Companions  against 
the  approach  of  those  enemies  of  human  felicity,  intemperance 
and  excess,  let  this  faithful  monitor  ever  remind  you  to  walk 
uprightly  in  your  station,  admonishing  and  animating  your 
Companions  to  fidelity  and  industry  while  at  labor,  and  to  tern- 


72  Installation  Ceremonies 

perance  and  moderation  while  at  refreshment.  And  when  the 
great  Watchman  of  Israel,  whose  eye  is  never  closed,  shall 
relieve  you  from  your  post  on  earth,  may  He  permit  you  in 
heaven  to  participate  in  that   food  and  refreshment  which  is 

"Such  as  the  saints  in  glory  love, 
And  such  as  angels  eat." 

MUSIC  OR  AN  ODE 

CHARGE  TO  THE  TREASURER 

Companion :  You  have  been  elected  as  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Chapter,  and  I  have  the  pleasure  of  investing-  you  with  the 
badge  of  your  office.  The  qualities  which  should  recommend 
a  Treasurer  are  accuracy  and  fidelity — accuracy  in  keeping  a 
fair  and  minute  account  of  all  receipts  and  disbursements,  and 
fidelity  in  carefully  preserving  all  the  property  and  funds  of 
the  Chapter  that  may  be  placed  in  his  hands,  and  rendering  a 
just  account  of  the  same  whenever  he  is  called  upon  for  that 
•purpose.  I  presume  that  your  respect  for  the  institution,  your 
attachment  to  the  interests  of  your  Chapter,  and  your  regard 
for  a  good  name,  which  is  better  than  precious  ointment,  will 
prompt  you  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of  your 
office. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  SECRETARY 

Companion :  You  have  been  elected  Secretary  of  this  Chap- 
ter, and  it  is  with  pleasure  that  I  invest  you  with  the  badge  of 
your  office.  The  qualities  which  should  recommend  a  Secre- 
tary are  promptitude  in  issuing  such  notifications  as  may  be 
required,  and  also  the  orders  of  his  superiors ;  punctuality  in 
attending  the  convocations  of  his  Chapter;  correctness  in  re- 
cording its  proceedings ;  judgment  in  discriminating  what  is 
proper  and  what  is  improper  to  be  committed  to  writing; 
regularity  in  making  his  annual  returns  to  the  Grand  Chapter ; 
integrity  in  accounting  for  all  moneys  that  may  come  into  his 
hands ;  and  fidelity  in  paying  the  same  to  the  Treasurer.  The 
possession  of  these  good  qualities,  I  presume,  has  designated 


of  Subordinate  Chapters  73 

you  as  a  suitable  candidate  for  this  important  office,  and  I  can 
not  entertain  a  doubt  that  you  will  discharge  its  duties  bene- 
ficially to  the  Chapter  and  honorably  to  yourself.  And  when 
you  shall  have  completed  the  record  of  your  transactions  here 
below,  and  finished  the  term  of  your  probation,  may  you  be 
admitted  into  the  Celestial  Grand  Chapter  of  saints  and  angels, 
and  find  your  name  recorded  in  the  Book  of  Life  Eternal. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  CHAPLAIN 

Companion :  The  sacred  position  of  Chaplain  has  been  en- 
trusted to  your  care,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the  jewels  of 
your  office. 

In  the  discharge  of  your  duties  you  will  be  required  to  con- 
duct the  devotional  exercises  of  the  convocations  of  your  Com- 
panions, and  to  perform  the  sacred  functions  of  your  holy 
calling  at  their  meetings.  Though  Masonry  be  not  Religion, 
it  is  emphatically  Religion's  handmaid ;  and  I  am  sure  that, 
in  ministering  at  its  altar,  the  services  you  may  perform  will 
lose  nothing  of  their  vital  importance  because  they  are  prac- 
ticed in  that  spirit  of  universal  tolerance  which  distinguishes 
our  institution.  The  doctrines  of  morality  and  virtue  which 
you  are  accustomed  to  inculcate  to  the  world,  .as  a  minister  of 
God,  will  form  the  appropriate  lessons  which  you  are  expected 
to  communicate  to  your  Companions.  The  profession  which 
you  have  chosen  as  your  lot  in  life  is  the  best  guaranty  that 
you  will  discharge  the  duties  of  your  present  appointment  with 
steadfastness  and  perseverance  in  well-doing. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  CAPTAIN  OF  THE  HOST 

Companion :  The  office  with  which  you  are  entrusted  is  of 
high  importance,  and  demands  your  most  zealous  consideration. 
The  preservation  of  the  most  essential  traits  of  our  ancient 
customs,  usages,  and  landmarks  is  within  your  province ;  and 
it  is  indispensably  necessary  that  the  part  assigned  to  you,  in 
the  immediate  practice  of  our  rites  and  ceremonies,  should  be 
perfectly  understood  and  correctly  administered. 


74  Installation  Ceremonies 

Your  office  corresponds  to  that  of  Marshal,  or  Master  of 
Ceremonies.  You  are  to  superintend  all  processions  of  your 
Chapter,  when  moving-  as  a  distinct  body,  either  in  public  or 
private;  and  as  the  world  can  only  judge  of  our  private  disci- 
pline by  our  public  deportment,  you  will  be  careful  that  the 
utmost  order  and  decorum  be  observed  on  all  such  occasions. 
You  will  ever  be  attentive  to  the  commands  of  your  chief,  and 
always  near  at  hand  to  see  them  duly  executed.  I  invest  you 
with  the  badge  of  your  office  and  arm  you  with  a  sword,  and  I 
presume  that  you  will  give  to  your  duties  all  that  study  and 
attention  which  importance  demands. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  PRINCIPAL  SOJOURNER 

Companion :  The  office  confided  to  you,  though  subordinate 
in  degree,  is  equal  in  importance  to  any  in  the  Chapter,  that  of 
your  chief  alone  excepted.  Your  office  corresponds  with  that 
of  Senior  Deacon  in  the  preparatory  degrees.  Among  the 
duties  required  of  you  the  preparation  and  introduction  of 
candidates  are  not  the  least.  As  in  our  intercourse  with  the 
world  experience  teaches  that  our  first  impressions  are  often 
the  most  durable,  and  the  most  difficult  to  eradicate,  so  it  is  of 
great  importance,  in  all  cases,  that  those  impressions  should  be 
correct  and  just.  Hence  it  is  essential  that  the  officer  who 
brings  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they  knew  not,  and  leads  them 
in  paths  that  they  have  not  know,  should  always  be  well  quali- 
fied to  make  darkness  light  before  them,  and  crooked  things 
straight. 

Your  robe  of  office  is  an  emblem  of  humility,  and  teaches 
that  in  the  prosecution  of  a  laudable  undertaking  we  should 
never  decline  taking  any  part  that  may  be  assigned  us,  although 
it  may  be  the  most  difficult  or  dangerous. 

The  rose-colored,  tesselated  border  adorning  the  robe  is  an 
emblem  of  ardor  and  perseverance,  and  signifies  that  when  we 
have  engaged  in  a  virtuous  course,  notwithstanding  all  the 
impediments,  hardships,  and  trials  we  may  be  destined  to  en- 
counter, we  should  endure  them  all  with  fortitude,  and  ardently 
persevere  unto  the  end,  resting  assured  of  receiving,  at  the 


oe  Subordinate  Chapters  75 

termination  of  our  labors,  a  noble  and  glorious  reward.  Your 
past  exertions  will  be  considered  as  a  pledge  of  your  future 
assiduity  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  your  duties. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  ROYAL  ARCH  CAPTAIN 

Companion :  The  well-known  duties  of  your  station  require 
but  little  elucidation.  Your  office  in  the  preparatory  degrees 
corresponds  with  that  of  Junior  Deacon.  It  is  your  province, 
conjointly  with  the  Captain  of  the  Host,  to  attend  the  exami- 
nation of  all  visitors,  and  to  take  care  that  those  only  are  per- 
mitted to  enter  the  Chapter  who  have  traveled  the  rugged  path 
of  trial,  and  evinced  their  title  to  our  favor  and  friendship. 
You  will  be  attentive  to  obey  the  commands  of  the  Captain  of 
the  Host  during  the  introduction  of  strangers  among  the  work- 
men; so  that,  should  they  be  permitted  to  pass  your  post,  they 
may  be  introduced  into  the  presence  of  the  Grand  Council. 

The  White  Banner  entrusted  to  your  care  is  emblamatical 
of  that  Purity  of  heart  and  rectitude  of  conduct  which  ought 
to  actuate  all  those  who  pass  the  white  veil  of  the  sanctuary. 
I  give  it  to  you  strictly  in  charge,  never  to  suffer  anyone  to 
pass  your  post  without  the  Signet  of  Truth. 

I  present  you  the  badge  of  your  office,  and  deliver  this  sword 
into  your  hands,  in  expectation  of  your  performing  your  duties 
with  intelligence,  assiduity,  and  propriety. 

CHARGE  TO  THE   MASTER  OF  THE  THIRD   VEIL 

Companion:  I  present  you  with  the  Scarlet  Banner,  which 
is  the  ensign  of  your  office,  and  with  a  sword  to  protect  and 
defend  the  same.  The  rich  and  beautiful  color  of  your  banner 
is  emblematical  of  Fervency  and  Zeal ;  it  is  the  appropriate 
color  of  the  Royal  Arch  Degree ;  it  admonishes  us  that  we 
should  be  fervent  in  the  exercise  of  our  devotions  to  God,  and 
zealous  in  our  endeavors  to  promote  the  happiness  of  man. 

Companion :  I  present  you  with  the  Purple  Banner,  which 
is  the  ensign  of  your  office,  and  arm  you  with  a  sword  to  enable 
vou  to  maintain  its  honor. 


76  Installation  Ceremonies 

The  color  of  your  banner  is  produced  by  a  due  admixture 
of  blue  and  scarlet,  the  former  of  which  is  the  characteristic 
color  of  the  symbolic  or  first  three  degrees  of  Masonry,  and 
the  latter  that  of  the  Royal  Arch  Degree.  It  is  an  emblem  of 
Union,  and  is  the  characteristic  color  of  the  intermediate  de- 
grees. It  admonishes  us  to  cultivate  and  improve  that  spirit 
of  union  and  harmony  between  the  brethren  of  the  symbolic 
degrees  and  the  Companions  of  the  sublime  degree  which 
should  ever  distinguish  the  members  of  a  society  founded  upon 
the  principles  of  everlasting  truth  and  universal  philanthropy. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  MASTER  OF  THE  FIRST  VEIL 

Companion :  I  present  you  with  the  Blue  Banner,  which  is 
the  ensign  of  your  office,  and  arm  you  with  a  sword  for  its 
defense  and  protection.  The  color  of  your  banner  is  one  of  the 
most  durable  and  beautiful  in  nature.  It  is  the  appropriate 
color  adopted  and  worn  by  our  ancient  brethren  of  the  three 
symbolic  degrees,  and  is  the  peculiar  characteristic  of  an  insti- 
tution which  has  stood  the  test  of  ages,  and  which  is  as  much 
distinguished  for  the  durability  of  its  materials  or  principles 
as  by  the  beauty  of  its  superstructure.  It  is  an  emblem  of  uni- 
versal Friendship  and  Benevolence,  and  instructs  us  that,  in 
the  mind  of  a  Mason,  these  virtues  should  be  as  expansive  as 
the  Blue  Arch  of  Heaven  itself. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  MASTERS  OF  THE  FIRST, 

SECOND,  AND  THIRD  VEILS 

AS  OVERSEERS 

(Forming  a  triangle  at  the  Altar  on  the  side  towards  the  W.  and 
upholding  their  banners.) 

Companions :  Those  who  are  placed  as  overseers  of  any 
work  should  be  well  qualified  to  judge  of  its  beauties  and 
deformities,  its  excellencies  and  defects;  they  should  be  capable 
of  estimating  the  former  and  amending  the  latter.  This  con- 
sideration should  induce  you  to  cultivate  and  improve  all  those 
qualifications  which  you  already  possess,  as  well  as  to  persevere 


of  Subordinate  Chapters  77 

in  your  endeavors  to  acquire  those  in  which  you  are  deficient. 
Let  the  various  colors  of  the  banners  committed  to  your  charge 
admonish  you  to  the  exercise  of  the  several  virtues  of  which 
they  are  emblematic.  You  are  to  enjoin  the  practice  of  those 
virtues  upon  all  who  shall  present  themselves  or  the  work  of 
their  hands  for  your  inspection.  Let  no  work  receive  your 
approbation  but  such  as  is  calculated  to  adorn  and  strengthen 
the  Masonic  edifice.  Be  industrious  and  faithful  in  practicing 
and  disseminating  a  knowledge  of  that  true  and  perfect  work 
which  alone  can  stand  the  test  of  the  Grand  Overseer  s  Square 
in  the  great  day  of  trial  and  tribulation.  Then,  although  every 
rod  should  become  a  serpent,  and  every  serpent  an  enemy  to 
this  institution,  yet  shall  their  utmost  exertions  to  destroy  its 
reputation,  or  sap  its  foundations,  become  as  impotent  as  the 
leprous  hand,  or  as  water  spilled  upon  the  ground,  which  can 
not  be  gathered  up  again. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  SENTINEL 

Companion :  You  are  appointed  Sentinel  of  this  Chapter, 
and  I  invest  you  with  the  badge,  and  entrust  you  with  this 
implement  of  your  office.  As  the  sword  is  placed  in  the  hands 
of  the  Sentinel  to  enable  him  effectually  to  guard  against  the 
approach  of  all  cowans  and  eavesdroppers,  and  suffer  none  to 
pass  or  repass  but  such  as  are  duly  qualified,  so  it  should 
morally  serve  as  a  constant  admonition  to  us  to  set  guard  at 
the  entrance  of  our  thoughts ;  to  place  a  watch  at  the  door  of 
our  lips ;  to  post  a  sentinel  at  the  avenue  of  our  actions,  thereby 
excluding  every  unqualified  and  unworthy  thought,  word,  and 
deed,  and  preserving  consciences  void  of  offense  toward  God 
and  toward  man. 

As  the  first  application  from  visitors  for  admission  into  the 
Chapter  is  generally  made  to  the  Sentinel  at  the  door,  your 
station  will  often  present  you  to  the  observance  of  strangers ; 
it  is,  therefore,  essentially  necessary  that  he  who  sustains  the 
office  with  which  you  are  entrusted  should  be  a  man  of  good 
morals,  steady  habits,  strict  discipline,  temperate,  affable,  and 
discreet.      I   trust  that  a  just   regard  for  the  honor  and  the 


78  [nstallation  Ceremonies 

reputation  of  the  institution  will  ever  induce  you  to  perform 
with  fidelity  the  trust  reposed  in  you  ;  and  when  the  door  of 
this  earthly  tabernacle  shall  be  closed,  may  you  find  an  abun- 
dant entrance  through  the  gates  into  the  temple  and  the  city  of 
our  God. 

MUSIC   OR   AN   ODE 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  HIGH  PRIEST 

Excellent  Companion :  Having  been  honored  with  the  free 
suffrages  of  the  members  of  this  Chapter  you  are  elected  to 
the  most  important  office  in  their  power  to  bestow.  This 
expression  of  their  esteem  and  respect  should  draw  from  you 
corresponding  emotions ;  and  your  demeanor  should  be  such 
as  to  repay  the  honor  which  they  have  so  conspicuously 
conferred  upon  you  by  an  honorable  and  faithful  discharge 
of  the  duties  of  your  office.  The  station  which  you  are  called 
to  fill  is  important,  not  only  as  it  respects  the  correct  practice 
of  our  rites  and  ceremonies,  and  the  internal  economy  of  the 
Chapter  over  which  you  preside,  but  the  public  reputation  of 
the  institution  will  be  generally  found  to  rise  or  fall  according 
to  the  skill,  fidelity,  and  discretion  with  which  its  affairs  are 
managed,  and  in  proportion  as  the  character  and  conduct  of  its 
principal  officers  deserve  approbation  or  censure. 

You  have  accepted  a  trust  to  which  is  attached  a  weight  of 
responsibility  which  will  require  all  your  efforts  to  discharge 
honorably  to  yourself  and  satisfactorily  to  the  Chapter.  You 
are  to  see  that  your  officers  are  capable  and  faithful  in  the 
discharge  of  their  duties.  Should  they  lack  ability,  you  are 
expected  to  supply  their  deficiencies.  You  are  to  watch  care- 
fully the  progress  of  their  performances,  and  to  see  that  the 
long-established  customs  of  the  institution  suffer  no  derange- 
ment in  their  hands.  You  are  to  have  a  careful  eye  over  the 
general  conduct  of  the  Chapter ;  see  that  due  order  and  sub- 
ordination are  observed  on  all  occasions ;  that  the  members  are 
properly  instructed ;  that  due  solemnity  be  observed  in  the 
practice   of   our  rites ;   and   that   no   improper   levity   be  per- 


of  Subordinate  Chapters  79 

mitted  at  any  time,  but  more  especially  at  the  introduction  of 
strangers  among  the  workmen. 

In  fine,  you  are  to  be  an  example  to  your  officers  and  mem- 
bers which  they  need  not  hesitate  to  follow,  thus  securing  to 
yourself  the  favor  of  Heaven  and  the  applause  of  your  brethren 
and  companions. 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  OFFICERS 

Companions  in  Office :  Precept  and  example  should  ever 
advance  with  equal  pace.  Those  moral  duties  which  you  are 
required  to  teach  to  others  you  should  never  neglect  to  practice 
yourselves.  Do  you  desire  that  the  demeanor  of  your  equals 
and  inferiors  towards  you  should  be  marked  with  deference 
and  respect?  Be  sure  that  you  omit  no  opportunity  of  furnish- 
ing them  with  examples  in  your  own  conduct  toward  your 
superiors.  Do  you  desire  to  obtain  instruction  from  those 
who  are  more  wise  or  better  informed  than  yourselves  ?  Be 
sure  that  you  are  always  ready  to  impart  of  your  knowledge 
to  those  within  your  sphere  who  stand  in  need  of  and  are 
entitled  to  receive  it.  Do  you  desire  distinction  among  your 
Companions  ?  Be  sure  that  your  claims  to  preferment  are 
founded  upon  superior  attainments ;  let  no  ambitious  passion 
be  suffered  to  induce  you  to  enyy  or  supplant  a  Companion 
who  may  be  considered  better  qualified  for  promotion  than 
yourselves ;  but  rather  let  a  laudable  emulation  induce  you  to 
strive  to  excel  each  other  in  improvement  and  discipline,  ever 
remembering  that  he  who  faithfully  performs  his  duty,  even 
in  a  subordinate  or  private  station,  is  as  justly  entitled  to  esteem 
and  respect  as  he  who  is  invested  with  supreme  authority. 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  CHAPTER 

Companions :  The  exercise  and  management  of  the  degrees 
of  Masonry  in  your  Chapter  while  at  work  under  its  warrant, 
or  Charter,  are  so  highly  appreciated,  and  the  good  reputation 
of  the  Chapter  so  well  established,  that  I  must  presume  these 
considerations  alone,  were  there  no  others  of  greater  magni- 


80  Installation"  Ckrkmoniks 

tude,  would  l>e  sufficient  to  induce  you  to  preserve  and  per- 
petuate this  valuable  and  honorable  character.  But  when  to 
these  is  added  the  pleasure  which  every  philanthropic  heart 
must  feel  in  doing  good,  in  promoting  order,  in  diffusing  light 
and  knowledge,  and  in  cultivating  Masonic  charity,  which  are 
the  great  objects  of  this  sublime  institution,  I  can  not  doubt 
that  your  future  conduct,  and  that  of  your  successors,  will  be 
such  as  to  increase  still  more  the  lustre  of  your  justly  esteemed 
reputation. 

May  your  Chapter  become  beautiful  as  the  temple,  peaceful 
as  the  ark,  and  sacred  as  its  most  holy  place.  May  your  offer- 
ings of  piety  and  praise  be  grateful  as  the  incense,  your  love 
warm  as  its  flame,  and  your  charity  diffusive  as  its  fragrance. 
May  your  hearts  be  pure  as  the  altar,  and  your  conduct  accept- 
able as  the  offering.  May  the  exercises  of  your  charity  be  as 
constant  as  the  returning  wants  of  the  distressed  widow  and 
helpless  orphan.  May  the  approbation  of  Heaven  be  your  en- 
couragement, and  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience  your 
support ;  may  you  be  endowed  with  every  good  and  perfect 
gift  while  traveling  the  rugged  path  of  life,  and  finally  be 
admitted  within  the  veil  of  Heaven,  to  the  full  enjoyment  of 
life  eternal. 

The  Grand  Captain  of  the  Host  then  makes  the  following  procla- 
mation : 

In  the  name  of  the  Most  Excellent  Grand  Chapter  of  the 

State  of  North  Carolina  I  proclaim  the  officers  of Chapter, 

No.  — ,  to  be  duly  installed  in  their  respective  offices. 

The  private  Grand  Honors  are  then  given. 

If  the  installation  takes  place  in  public,  the  expression  will  be  "with 
the  public  Grand  Honors  of  Masonry  by  three  times  three."  and  the 
public  Grand  Honors  will  be  given. 


INDEX  TO  BY-LAWS 


Art. 

Accused  and  Accuser  must  retire 19 

Allowances  and  Salary 18 

Amendment  to  By-Laws  of  Grand  Chapter 21 

Annual  Address  of  Grand  High  Priest 3 

Convocations  of  Grand  Chapter 1 

Dues  of  Chapters 4 

Dues  to  Chapters 12 

Returns 7 

Answer  to  Charge 19 

Appeal,  Effect  of  judgment  of  Grand  Chapter 19 

Form  of 19 

From  High  Priest's  decision 7 

In  Grand  Chapter 19 

Judgment  of  Grand  Chapter 19 

Notice  of  19 

Secretary's  duties  concerning 19 

Status  of  the  accused  pending 19 

Time  for 19 

Who  may  take 19 

Apron 20 

Argument 19 

Arrest  of  Charter 7 

Assessment  forbidden  12 

Ballot,  Examination  of 10 

For  Degrees   10 

For  membership 10 

Free  and  secret 10 

May  be  retaken 10 

Must 10 

When,  cannot  be  postponed 10 

When,  may  be  postponed 10 

Balloting,  All  must  vote  in 10 

Must  be  at  stated  meeting 10 

Must  be  free  and  secret 10 

No  debate  allowed  during 10 

On  request  not  allowed 14 

Begging  Letters  20 

Bond,  Of  Grand  Secretary 3 

Of  Grand  Treasurer 3 

Bonds  to  be  approved  by  Grand  High  Priest 3 

Business,  In  Royal  Arch  Degree 7 


Sec. 

Pg. 

27 

51 

1,2 

43 

1 

50 

12 

11 

1 

7 

2 

16 

5 

35 

26 

24 

13 

48 

40 

54 

33 

52 

14 

22 

38 

54 

39 

54 

35 

53 

36 

53 

41 

54 

34 

53 

32 

52 

6 

57 

26 

51 

22 

23 

3 

34 

8 

32 

1 

31 

1 

31 

2 

31 

8 

32 

5 

32 

7 

32 

7 

32 

1 

31 

1 

31 

2 

31 

9 

32 

4 

37 

1 

56 

24 

15 

18 

13 

18,24 

13 

11 

21 

82  Index  to  By-Laws 

Art. 

By-Laws  of  Chapter,  Cannot  be  suspended 7 

How  amended   7 

Must  be  adopted 7 

Candidate,  Disqualified 9 

Failure  to  present  himself 9 

Rejected 9 

Removal  of  14 

Certificate  of  good  standing 13 

To  M.  M.,  P.  M.,  and  M.  E.  M 13 

Change  of  Venue 19 

Chapter,  By-Laws  of 7 

Charter  of,  arrested  or' labor  suspended 3 

Must  be  opened  properly 7 

Of  /whom  composed 7 

Property  of 7 

Quorum  of 7 

Chapters,  Annual  dues  of 4 

Chartered,  constitution  of 6 

Chartered,  shall  consist  of 7 

Chartered,  By-Laws  7 

Chartered,  Amend  By-Laws 7 

May  preside  in 3 

New,  officers  of 6 

U.  D.,  general  provisions 6 

U.  D.,  how  set  to  work 6 

U.  D.,  officers  of 6 

U.  D.,  powers  of 6 

U.  D.,  shall  forward  books,  etc 6 

U.  D.,  when  formed 6 

Charge,  Against  High  Priest 19 

Answer  to 19 

By  whom  preferred 19 

By  whom  prosecuted 19 

Copy  of,  to  be  delivered 19 

Form  of  19 

Nature  of 19 

Plea  to 19 

Sufficiency  of  19 

When  not  entertained 19 

When  presented 19 

Charter,  Arrested  by  Grand  High  Priest 7 

Arrested,  certificate  to  members 13 

Arrested,  effect  of 7 


S.c. 

I'g. 

4 

20 

3 

20 

2 

20 

4,5 

28 

'  6 

29 

14 

31 

3 

37 

3 

35 

4 

36 

31 

52 

2,4 

20 

6 

10 

5 

20 

1 

19 

23 

24 

5 

20 

2 

16 

6 

19 

1 

19 

2 

20 

3 

20 

16 

12 

7 

19 

1 

18 

3 

18 

2 

19 

4 

18 

5 

18 

1 

18 

44 

55 

13 

48 

3 

45 

6 

46 

10 

47 

5 

45 

4 

45 

14,15 

48 

16 

49 

8 

46 

7 

46 

22 

23 

3 

35 

22 

23 

Index  to  By-Laws 


83 


Fee  for  

Forfeited  for  failure  to  make  returns 

Forfeited  for  failure  to  meet 

Granted  by  Grand  Chapter  only 

Must  be  present 

Circular  Letters 

Clothing  of  Officers 

Committee,  Of  investigation 

On  Fraternal  Correspondence 

Committees,  Of  Grand  Chapter,  reports  of  in  writing 

Standing  of  Grand  Chapter,  enumeration 

Conferring,  Degrees  by  request 

Degrees  for  another  Chapter 

Convocations,  Of  Grand  Chapter,  annual 

Of  Grand  Chapter,  absence  of  officers 

Of  Grand  Chapter,  change  of  place  of 

Of  Grand  Chapter,  quorum 

Of  Grand  Chapter,  special 

Correspondence,  Committee  on  Fraternal 

Debate,  Pending  ballot 

Decision  of  High  Priest,  No  appeal  from 

Decisions,  Official  of  Grand  High  Priest 

Degrees,  Application  for,  form  of 

Application  for,  requisites  of 

Conferred  by  request - 

Conferred  by  request  from  another  G.  J 

Conferred  on  affiliated  Master  Masons  only 

Deputy  Grand  High  Priest,  Powers  and  duties  of . . .  . 
Demit,  Belongs  to  Chapter 

Date  of 

For  continuous  membership 

Installed  officer  cannot 

When  granted 

Dispensation,  By  Grand  High  Priest 

Fee  for  

Dual  Membership  forbidden 

Dues,  Annual,  of  Chapters 

Annual,  to  Chapters 

Chapters  failing  to  pay 

Non-payment  of,  regulations  concerning 

Remission  of 


\xt. 

Sec. 

Pg. 

4 

1 

16 

4 

3 

16 

7 

21 

23 

6 

1 

17 

7 

6 

20 

20 

2 

56 

20 

4 

56 

9 

2,3 

28 

5 

2 

17 

5 

1 

17 

5 

1,2 

17 

14 

2 

37 

14 

5 

37 

1 

7 

4 

8 

1 

7 

3 

7 

2 

7 

5 

2 

17 

10 

9 

32 

7 

14 

22 

3 

5 

10 

'9 

12 

30 

14 

2 

37 

14 

1 

36 

9 

10 

30 

3 

14 

12 

11 

6 

33 

13 

2 

35 

13 

3 

35 

8 

13 

27 

13 

1 

35 

3 

9 

11 

4 

1 

16 

11 

7 

34 

4 

2 

16 

12 

5 

35 

4 

3 

16 

15 

1,2 

39 

12 

1.2 

34 

Electioneerinar   for  office. 


20 


58 


84  Index  to  By-Laws 

Art. 

Election,  Of  officers 2 

Special 8 

Eligibility  to  office 8 

Evidence,  How  taken 19 

Record 19 

Exclusion,  Of  Royal  Arch  Masons,  when 17 

Expulsion,  As  a  penalty 17 

Or  suspension  by  Lodge,  effect  of 17 

Or  suspension,  when  in  force 17 

Or  suspension,  not  to  be  published 17 

Extinct  Chapters,  Dues  from  members  of 7 

Members  of 7 

Petition  from  9 

Property  of  7 

Fee,  No  degree  conferred  without 7 

Fees,  For  degrees 7 

For  dispensation  and  Charter 4 

Forfeiture  of  Charter 7 

Form   of  Appeal 19 

Of  certificate  of  proxy 

Of  petition  for  affiliation 

Of  petition  to  Chapter  for  restoration 

Of  petition  for  degrees 

Of  petition  to  Grand  Chapter  for  restoration.  .  .  . 

Of  request  to  confer  degrees . 

Of  waiver  of  jurisdiction . 

Grand  Chapter,  Convocation  of 1 

Fiscal  year  of 1 

Grand  High  Priest,  Duties  of 3 

Grand  King,  Powers  and  duties  of 3 

Grand  Lecturer,  Annual  report  of 3 

Compensation  of   18 

Duties  of 3 

Grand  Officers,  Appointive 2 

Duties  of 3 

Election  of 2 

Elective 2 

Installation  of   2 

May  preside 3 

Not  to  serve  as  officers  of  Chapters 2 

Suspension  of 3 

Titles  of 2 

Who  are  eligible 2 


Sic. 

Pg. 

3 

9 

10 

27 

9 

21 

18,20 

49 

23 

50 

2 

41 

3 

41 

8 

42 

6 

42 

7 

42 

24 

24 

25 

24 

7 

29 

23 

24 

13 

22 

13 

22 

1 

16 

21 

23 

33 

52 

60 

60 

61 

59 

61 

61 

60 

1 

7 

5 

8 

1,13 

10 

15 

12 

26 

15 

1 

42 

26 

15 

5 

9 

27 

16 

3 

9 

4 

9 

7 

9 

16 

12 

i 

S 

10 

11 

6 

9 

1 

8 

Index  to  By-Laws  85 

Art.         Sec.        Pg. 


Grand  Scribe,  Powers  and  duties  of .  . 
Grand  Secretary,  Bond  of 

Duties  of 

Salary  of 

Shall  deliver  to  successor 

Grand  Treasurer,  Annual  report  of.. 

Bond  of   

Duties  of  

General  Duties 

Salary  

Shall  deliver  to  successor 

High  Priest,  By  whom  tried 

Charges  against  

Decision,  appeal  from  

Installation,  Regulations  concerning. 
Installing  Officer,  Qualifications  of.. 
Invasion  of  Territory,  Penalty  for.  . . 
Investigating  Committee,  Duties  of.  . 

Majority  must  report 

New 

Jewels  of  Officers 

Judgment,  Promulgation  of 

Jurisdiction 

Invasion  of   

Over  non-resident,  how  acquired. 

Penal 

Waiver  of   

Waiver  of  consent 

Letters,  Begging    

Circular 

Life  membership 

Mark  to  be  recorded 

Masonic  Year,  End  of 

Membership,  Acquired  by  exaltation. 

Application  for 

Charges  against  petitioner  for.. .  . 

Dual,  forbidden  

Form  of  petition  for 

Life 

Petition  for,  must  lie  over 

Petitioner  vouched  for 


3 

15 

12 

3 

24 

15 

3 

20,23 

13 

18 

2 

43 

3 

25 

15 

3 

17 

13 

3 

18 

13 

3 

17 

13 

3 

17 

13 

18 

4 

43 

3 

19 

13 

19 

1 

44 

19 

44 

55 

7 

14 

22 

8 

14 

27 

8 

15 

27 

14 

6 

38 

9 

2 

28 

9 

2 

28 

9 

3 

28 

20 

5 

57 

19 

42 

54 

14 

8 

38 

14 

6 

38 

14 

9 

38 

19 

2 

44 

14 

7 

38 

14 

7 

38 

20 

1 

56 

20 

2 

56 

12 

4 

34 

7 

20 

23 

4 

2 

16 

11 

1 

32 

11 

2 

33 

11 

4 

33 

11 

7 

34 

59 

12 

4 

34 

10 

3 

31 

11 

3 

33 

86 


Index  to  By-Laws 


Art. 

Recommendation  for  9 

Rejected  candidate  for 11 

Meeting,  Special 7 

Stated , 7 

Minutes,  Approved  7 

New  Chapters,  Under  dispensation 6 

Non-Affiliate,  Definition  of 15 

Members  of  extinct  Chapters 15 

Non- Affiliation,  Voluntary 15 

Non-Payment  of  Dues,  Regulations  concerning 16 

Offence,  Committed  before  application 20 

Penalties  for 17 

What  constitute  17 

Who  may  be  tried  for 19 

Office,  Electioneering  for 20 

Eligibility  to   8 

Succession  in   8 

Vacancy  in,  how  filled 8 

Officer,  Installed,  cannot  demit 8 

Of  Chapter,  suspension  of 3 

Officers,  Clothing  of 20 

Election  of 8 

Jewels  of  20 

Length  of  service  of 8 

Of  a  Chapter,  enumeration  of 8 

Of  a  Chapter,  how  chosen 8 

Presiding..  | 8 

Rank  in  Chapter 8 

Re-elected  need  not  re-installed 8 

Removal  of  8 

Order  of  Business 20 

Penal  Jurisdiction 19 

Penalties 17 

Petition 9 

For  affiliation  may  be  renewed 11 

For  degrees  may  be  renewed 9 

For  membership 11 

Of  Mark,  Past  or  Most  Excellent  Master 10 

Must  be  ballotted  on 10 

Must  be  presented  at  a  stated  meeting 9 

Must  be  reported  on 10 

Must  be  signed  by  applicant 9 


Sec. 

Pg. 

13 

31 

5 

33 

9 

21 

8 

21 

10 

21 

1 

18 

1 

39 

2 

39 

3 

39 

1 

40 

3 

56 

3 

41 

1 

42 

1 

44 

7 

58 

9 

27 

5 

26 

7 

26 

13 

27 

11 

11 

4 

56 

8 

26 

5 

57 

11 

27 

1 

25 

2 

26 

4 

26 

3 

25 

16 

27 

6 

26 

S 

58 

2 

44 

3 

41 

1 

28 

5 

33 

8 

29 

? 

33 

4 

31 

5 

32 

1 

28 

6 

32 

12 

30 

Index  to  By-Laws  87 


Art. 

Must  be  accompanied  by  demit 9 

Petitioner,  For  membership,  charges  against 11 

Must  be  vouched  for 9 

From  another  Chapter 10 

From  another  jurisdiction 14 

From  extinct  Chapter 9 

Must  be  an  affiliated  Master  Mason 9 

Plea,  Of  guilty 19 

To  Charge  19 

Presiding  Officers 8 

Physical  Disqualifications  9 

Punishment,  Nature  of 19 

Quorum,  Of  Chapter 7 

Of  Grand  Chapter 1 

Rank  of  Officers  in  Chapter 8 

Record,  Evidence 19 

Obj  cction  to 19 

Perfecting  and  transmitting 19 

Rejected,  Applicant  for  membership  may  reapply.  ...  11 

Candidate 9 

Petitioner,  for  degrees  may  reapply,  when 9 

Remission  of  Dues,  Cannot  be  reconsidered 12 

When  proper    12 

Removal,  Of  candidate 14 

Of  officers 8 

Representatives 3 

Reprimand  17 

Request,  From  another  jurisdiction  to  confer  degrees  14 

To  ballot  on  candidate 14 

To  confer  degrees  on  elected  candidate 14 

Residence 9 

Resignation 8 

Restoration,  How  effected 19 

Returns,  Chapters  failing  to  make 4 

Time  to  make 4 

Revenues  of  the  Grand  Chapter 4 

Salary,  Of  Grand  Secretary 18 

Of  Grand  Treasurer 18 

Seal 7 

Secretary,  Grand,  bond  of 3 

Special,  Convocations  of  Grand  Chapter 1 

Election 8 


Sec. 

Pg- 

11 

30 

4 

33 

13 

31 

4 

31 

9 

3S 

7 

29 

10 

30 

15 

48 

14 

48 

4 

26 

5 

28 

29 

51 

5 

20 

3 

7 

3 

25 

23 

50 

37 

53 

36 

53 

5 

33 

14 

31 

8 

29 

2 

34 

1 

34 

3 

37 

6 

26 

8 

11 

3 

41 

1 

36 

4 

37 

2 

37 

9 

29 

12 

27 

43 

55 

3 

16 

4 

17 

1,2 

16 

2 

43 

1 

42 

7 

20 

24 

15 

2 

7 

10 

27 

88 


Index  to  By-Laws 


Meetings 7 

Standard  Work  7 

Standing  Committees,  Of  Grand  Chapter,  enumeration  5 

Stated  Convocations 7 

Status  of  R.  A.  Mason  under  charges 11 

Substitutes 7 

Succession  in  office 8 

Summons,  In  trial 19 

Must  be  obeyed 7 

Requisites  of 7 

Services  of 7 

Who  may  issue 7 

Sunday,  No  Convocations  to  be  held  on 7 

Surrendered  Charter,  Certificate  to  members 13 

Suspended  Member,  Dues  not  chargeable  to 17 

Suspension,  Of  Grand  Officer 3 

Of  Officer  of  Chapter 3 

Or  expulsion  by  Lodge,  effect  of 17 

Or  expulsion,  when  in  force 17 

Or  expulsion,  not  to  be  published 17 

Status  at  expiration  of  time  of 17 

To  a  definite  period 17 

Transcript,  Objections  to 19 

Trial,  Appearance  of  accused  at 19 

Form  of  Notice 19 

General  provisions 19 

In  highest  degree 19 

Proof  of  service 19 

Sen-ice  of  notice 19 

Time  and  notice  of 19 

When  proceeded  with 19 

Without  service  19 

Trials 19 

Vacancy  in  Office,  How  filled 8 

Venue,  Change  of 19 

Visitors,  At  trials 19 

Voting,  In  trials 19 

Waiver  of  Jurisdiction 14 

Witnesses 19 

Witness,  Wife  as 19 

Work,  For  another  Chapter 14 

Standard  


5ec. 

Pg. 

9 

21 

16 

22 

1 

17 

8 

21 

8 

34 

15 

22 

5 

26 

24 

50 

19 

23 

17 

22 

18 

23 

17 

22 

12 

21 

3 

35 

5 

42 

10 

11 

11 

11 

8 

42 

6 

42 

7 

42 

4 

42 

3 

41 

37 

53 

13 

4S 

5 

45 

5 

45 

29 

51 

11 

47 

10 

47 

9 

46 

17 

49 

12 

48 

25 

50 

7 

26 

31 

52 

30 

52 

28 

51 

7 

38 

21 

50 

22 

50 

5 

37 

16 

22 

CONSTITUTION 


AND 


DIGEST  OF  DECISIONS 


OF  THE 


General  Grand  Chapter 


of 

ROYAL  ARCH  MASONS 

OF  THE 

UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 

REVISED  TO  SEPTEMBER  2,   1915 


PRESS   OF 

THE  RICHMOND  a  BACKUS  CO 

DETROIT 


CONSTITUTION 


General  Grand  Chapter 


ROYAL  ARCH  MASONS 


UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 


REVISED  AND  ADOPTED  AUGUST  25th,  1880 
AMENDED  NOVEMBER  22d,  1889 


ARTICLE  I. 


Name. 

Section  1.  This  body  shall  be  known  and  designated  as 
the  "General  Grand  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  of  the 
United  States  of  America." 

Of  Whom  Composed. 

Sec.  2.     The  General  Grand  Chapter  shall  consist: 

1.     Of  the  following  officers,  that  is  to  say:  General  Grand 

High    Priest,   Deputy    General    Grand    High    Priest,    General 

Grand  King,  General  Grand  Scribe,  General  Grand  Treasurer, 

General   Grand   Secretary,   General   Grand   Chaplain,   General 


4  CONSTITUTION    OF   THE 

Grand  Captain  of  the  Host,  General  Grand  Principal  So- 
journer, General  Grand  Royal  Arch  Captain,  Three  General 
Grand  Masters  of  the  Veils,  and  General  Grand  Sentinel. 

2.  Of  the  Past  General  Grand  High  Priests,  Past  Deputy 
General  Grand  High  Priests,  Past  General  Grand  Kings,  and 
Past  General  Grand  Scribes. 

3.  Of  the  Past  Grand  High  Priests  of  Grand  Chapters  in 
this  jurisdiction. 

4.  Of  the  Grand  High  Priests,  Deputy  Grand  High 
Priests,  Grand  Kings,  and  Grand  Scribes,  or  their  proxies  duly 
appointed,  of  the  Grand  Chapters  in  this  jurisdiction. 

5.  Of  the  High  Priests,  Kings  and  Scribes,  or  their  proxies 
duly  appointed,  of  the  constituted  Chapters  chartered  by  the 
General  Grand  Chapter. 

No  one  shall  be,  or  continue  an  officer  or  member  of  the 
General  Grand  Chapter,  who  is  not  a  member  in  good  standing 
of  a  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction. 

None  but  Present  or  Past  High  Priests  shall  be  eligible  to 
the  first  four  offices  in  the  General  Grand  Chapter. 

The  proxy  of  a  Grand  Officer  must  be  a  member  of  a  Chap- 
ter in  his  own  jurisdiction.  The  proxy  of  an  officer  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate Chapter  may  be  held  by  any  affiliated  Royal  Arch 
Mason  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter. 


Meetings. 

Sec.  3.  The  Stated  Convocations  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter  shall  be  holden  triennially,  at  such  time  and  place  as 
shall,  from  time  to  time,  be  designated  for  that  purpose,  pro- 
vided, that  the  Twenty-eighth  Convocation  shall  be  holden  in 
the  year  1891. 

Sec.  4.  Special  Convocations  may  be  called  by  the  General 
Grand  High  Priest,  upon  the  request  of  the  officers  of  three 
Grand  Chapters ;  and  shall  be  called  upon  the  request  of  the 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  5 

Grand  High  Priests  of  ten  Grand  Chapters,  timely  notice  there- 
of being  given  to  all  those  entitled  to  membership  in  the  Gen- 
eral Grand  Chapter. 

Sec.  5.  If,  in  the  opinion  of  the  General  Grand  High  Priest, 
there  shall  be  danger  to  life  or  health,  from  sickness  or  other 
local  cause,  by  any  Convocation  being  held  at  the  time  ap- 
pointed, he  may  change  the  time  and  place  of  the  particular 
Convocation ;  in  which  event  he  shall  immediately  notify  the 
General  Grand  Secretary,  who  shall  forthwith  give  notice  to 
all  the  officers  and  members  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  in 
such  manner  as  he  may  deem  best  calculated  to  effect  the 
desired  object. 

Sec.  6.  No  business  shall  be  transacted  in  the  General 
Grand  Chapter  unless  nine  Grand  Chapters  shall  be  repre- 
sented therein. 


Powers. 

Sec.  7.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  has  and  possesses  no 
other  powers  than  such  as  are  indispensably  necessary  to  the 
exercise  of  its  general  powers,  and  consistent  with  the  nature 
of  the  relations  subsisting  between  the  State  Grand  Chapters. 
It  can  exercise  no  doubtful  powers,  nor  any  powers  by  impli- 
cation merely ;  and  all  Masonic  powers  not  hereby  granted  to 
it  are  reserved  to  the  Grand  and  Subordinate  Chapters  of  the 
several  States,  or  to  Royal  Arch  Masons  individually. 

It  shall  have  and  maintain  jurisdiction  over  all  Chapters 
established  by  itself  in  those  States,  Districts,  Republics  and 
Territories  which  recognize  this  jurisdiction,  and  where  there 
is  no  Grand  Chapter  established. 

It  shall  have  power  to  decide  all  questions  of  Masonic  law, 
usage  and  custom  which  may  arise  between  any  two  or  more 
Grand  Chapters,  or  in  any  of  the  Subordinate  Chapters  under 
its  own  immediate  jurisdiction,  and  all  that  may  be  referred  to 
it  for  its  decision  by  any  Grand  Chapter,  by  formal  vote ;  and 


D  CONSTITUTION    OF   THE 

its  decisions  so  made  shall  be  deemed  and  regarded  as  those  of 
the  supreme  judicial  tribunal  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry  in  the 
last  resort. 

It  shall  have  no  power  of  discipline,  admonition,  censure  or 
instruction  over  the  Grand  Chapters,  nor  any  legislative  pow- 
ers whatever,  not  hereby  specially  granted,  nor  any  authority 
to  suspend  the  proceedings  of  any  State  Grand  Chapters,  nor 
shall  entertain  any  complaint  against  a  Grand  Chapter  pre- 
ferred by  any  Subordinate  Chapter  or  individual  Mason  in  that 
jurisdiction  or  elsewhere ;  but  it  may,  upon  proper  reference  to 
it  of  any  matter  of  controversy  between  any  two  or  more 
Grand  Chapters,  and  even  where  the  question  is  not  one  of 
Masonic  law,  custom  or  usage  (both  or  all  such  Grand  Chap- 
ters consenting  to  such  reference),  act  as  final  arbiter  between 
them,  and  settle  such  controversy. 

It  shall  judge  of  the  qualifications  of  its  own  members.  It 
shall  see  that  the  ancient  work  of  the  Order  is  preserved  in  the 
several  degrees,  and  established  uniform  formulas  for  installa- 
tion of  its  own  officers  and  those  of  Grand  and  Subordinate 
Chapters,  for  the  consecration  and  constitution  of  Chapters, 
and  the  opening  of  Grand  Chapters;  and  it  may  suspend  the 
proceedings  of  any  Chapter  under  its  own  immediate  juris- 
diction, in  any  State,  District  or  Territory  where  there  is  no 
Grand  Chapter,  for  any  willful  violation  of  any  of  the  provis- 
ions of  this  Constitution  or  for  gross,  unmasonic  proceedings 
or  conduct. 


Elections. 

Sec.  8.  The  Officers  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  (except 
the  General  Grand  Chaplain  and  Sentinel)  shall  be  chosen  at 
each  Triennial  Convocation  by  ballot,  by  a  majority  of  the 
votes  cast. 

The  General  Grand  Chaplain  and  General  Grand  Sentinel 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  General  Grand  High  Priest  at  the 
commencement  of   each   Convocation   of  the   General    Grand 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  7 

Chapter ;  and  in  all  cases,  the  General   Grand  Officers   shall 
hold  their  respective  offices  until  their  successors  are  installed. 

Sec.  9.  Each  member  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  ex- 
cept the  General  Grand  Sentinel,  shall  have  one  vote  in  his 
own  right,  and  no  more ;  if,  however,  any  officer  of  a  Grand 
Chapter  be  not  present  in  person  or  by  proxy  when  any  vote 
is  taken,  then  the  senior  officer  present  shall  cast  the  votes  of 
those  not  present.  Officers,  or  their  proxies  of  the  Subordinate 
Chapters,  shall  collectively  have  one  vote. 


Committees. 

Sec.  10.  At  each  Triennial  Convocation  the  General  Grand 
High  Priest  shall  appoint  the  following  Standing  Committees, 
each  consisting  of  seven  members:  1,  On  Credentials;  2.  On 
Reports  of  General  Grand  Officers ;  3,  On  Finance ;  4,  On 
Jurisprudence;  5,  On  Charters  and  Dispensations;  6,  On 
Grievances ;  7,  On  Correspondence ;  8.  On  Rituals ;  9,  On 
Memorials  of  the  Dead.  The  General  Grand  High  Priest  may 
appoint  other  Committees  as  circumstances  may  require. 

Upon  these  Committees  shall  devolve  such  duties  as  may, 
from  time  to  time,  be  required  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter. 

Duties  of  Officers. 

Sec.  11.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Grand  High 
Priest,  and  he  has  the  power,  to  preside  in  the  General  Grand 
Chapter;  to  exercise  and  discharge  the  executive  functions 
thereof  when  it  is  not  in  session  ;  to  convene  any  Chapter  under 
the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter;  to 
preside  therein,  to  inspect  its  proceedings,  and  require  con- 
formity to  Masonic  law,  usage  and  custom ;  to  require  the 
attendance  of,  and  information  from,  any  General  Grand  Offi- 
cer respecting  his  office,  and  when  in  his  opinion  it  is  proper  to 
do  so,  to  suspend  such  officer  and  appoint  a  suitable  person  to 
act  in  his  stead,  until  the  next  Convocation  of  the   General 


8  CONSTITUTION    OF   THE 

Grand  Chapter,  when  report  thereof  shall  be  made  for  its 
action  ;  to  appoint  such  General  Grand  Officers  as  may  be 
necessary  to  fill  vacancies,  and  to  perform  such  other  duties, 
and  exercise  such  other  powers  and  prerogatives  as  properly 
pertain  to  the  position,  not  inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of 
this  Constitution. 

Sec.  12.  In  case  of  the  death,  absence,  or  inability  to  act, 
of  the  General  Grand  High  Priest,  or  a  vacancy  in  his  office, 
the  Deputy  General  Grand  High  Priest,  General  Grand  King, 
and  General  Grand  Scribe  shall,  in  succession,  succeed  to  his 
prerogatives  and  duties  for  all  purposes.  In  the  absence  of  all 
these  officers,  the  oldest  Past  General  Grand  Officers  present, 
according  to  rank,  shall  preside  at  all  Convocations  of  the 
General  Grand  Chapter. 

Sec.  13.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Grand  Treasurer 
to  take  charge  of  all  the  funds  and  property  of  the  General 
Grand  Chapter,  except  the  fund  held  and  invested  by  the  Trus- 
tees of  the  permanent  fund ;  to  pay  out  no  money  except  upon 
order  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  certified  by  the  General 
Grand  Secretary ;  but  when  the  amount  to  be  paid  shall  not  be 
fixed  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  the  claim  shall  be  audited 
and  approved  by  the  General  Grand  High  Priest ;  to  report  to 
each  Triennial  Convocation  and  oftener  if  required  by  the  Gen- 
eral Grand  Chapter,  or  the  General  Grand  High  Priest,  the 
amount  of  his  receipts  and  expenditures,  by  items,  and  from 
whom  received,  and  to  whom  paid,  and  the  amount  of  funds  and 
property  in  his  hands  ;  and  to  execute  and  deposit  with  the  Gen- 
eral Grand  High  Priest  an  official  bond  within  thirty  days  after 
his  election,  payable  to  the  General  Grand  High  Priest  and  his 
successors  in  office,  with  sufficient  sureties,  to  be  approved  by 
the  General  Grand  High  Priest,  Deputy  General  Grand  High 
Priest.  General  Grand  King,  and  General  Grand  Scribe,  or  a 
majority  of  them,  in  a  penalty  of  five  thousand  dollars,  unless 
a  different  sum  shall  be  fixed  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter, 
conditioned  that  he  will  pay  or  deliver,  on  demand,  to  the 
General  Grand  Chapter,  or  to  his  successor  in  office,  or  prop- 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  9 

erly  account  for,  all  funds  and  property  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter  that  shall  come  to  his  hands  as  General  Grand  Treas- 
urer; and  if  the  General  Grand  Treasurer  elect  shall  fail  or 
refuse  to  execute  a  bond  as  herein  required,  then  the  General 
Grand  High  Priest  shall  appoint  another  General  Grand  Treas- 
urer, who  shall  exceute  the  required  bond. 

Sec.  13-A.  A  fund  consisting  of  Twenty  Thousand  Dollars 
shall  be  set  aside  as  a  Permanent  Fund  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter,  which  fund,  together  with  its  increment  and  such  sums 
as  may  be  hereafter  added  thereto,  shall  be  held  and  invested 
by  a  Board  of  Trustees,  consisting  of  five  members :  The  Gen- 
eral Grand  High  Priest  and  General  Grand  Treasurer  ex- 
officio,  and  three  other  members  of  the  General  Grand  Chap- 
ter, one  to  be  elected  at  each  triennial  convocation  to  serve  for 
nine  years  ;  except  at  the  first  election  of  said  Board  of  Trustees 
one  shall  be  elected  for  a  term  of  three  years,  one  for  a  term 
of  six  years  and  one  for  a  term  of  nine  years.  Every  loan  made 
by  them  shall  be  secured  by  bonds  of  the  United  States,  or 
bonds  of  any  State  of  the  United  States  of  America ;  or  they 
may  invest  any  part  of  said  funds  in  such  bonds  or  securities 
as  are  lawful  investments  for  savings  banks  in  the  States  of 
New  York,  Massachusetts  or  Connecticut.  Neither  the  Board 
of  Trustees  or  any  member  thereof  shall  be  paid  any  compen- 
sation or  remuneration  whatsoever  for  services  in  the  invest- 
ment or  management  of  said  fund.  The  Board  shall  render  the 
General  Grand  Chapter,  at  each  triennial  convocation  and 
oftener  when  required  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter  or  Gen- 
eral Grand  High  Priest,  a  true  and  correct  account  in  detail  of 
all  its  receipts  and  disbursements,  together  with  a  descriptive 
inventory  covering  all  its  investments  and  funds,  and  shall 
submit  its  books  for  examination  by  the  Committee  on  Finance. 

The  Custodian  or  Treasurer  of  the  funds  and  investments 
shall  give  bond  in  such  amount  as  may  be  required  of  him  by 
the  Board  of  Trustees,  the  premium  thereon  to  be  paid  by  the 
General  Grand  Chapter. 

Sec.  14.     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Grand  Secre- 


10  CONSTITUTION    OF   THE 

tary  to  record  the  transactions  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter; 
to  receive,  duly  file,  and  safely  keep  all  papers  and  documents 
of  the  General  Grand  Chapter;  to  prepare,  sign  and  certify  all 
charters,  dispensations,  and  other  instruments  emanating  from 
the  General  Grand  Chapter,  and  when  necessary  affix  its  seal 
thereto ;  to  receive  and  keep  a  proper  account  of  all  moneys  of 
the  General  Grand  Chapter,  and  pay  over  the  same  to  the 
General  Grand  Treasurer ;  to  report  to  each  Triennial  Convoca- 
tion, and  oftener,  if  required  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  or 
the  General  Grand  High  Priest,  the  amount  of  moneys  re- 
ceived by  him,  by  items,  and  the  specific  sources  from  which 
received ;  also  the  Chapters,  Grand  and  Subordinate,  that  have 
neglected  to  render  proper  returns,  and  are  in  arrears ;  and 
such  general  information  as  to  the  state  of  the  Chapters,  Grand 
and  Subordinate,  in  this  jurisdiction,  as  may  be  proper  for  the 
information  or  action  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter ;  to  con- 
duct the  correspondence  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter ;  to  at- 
tend with  all  necessary  books  and  papers  under  his  control,  on 
all  Convocations  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter;  to  execute 
and  deposit  with  the  General  Grand  High  Priest  an  official 
bond  within  thirty  days  after  his  election,  payable  to  the  Gen- 
eral Grand  High  Priest  and  his  successors  in  office,  with  suffi- 
cient sureties,  to  be  approved  by  the  General  Grand  High 
Priest,  Deputy  General  Grand  High  Priest,  General  Grand 
King  and  General  Grand  Scribe,  or  a  majority  of  them,  in  ths 
penalty  of  five  thousand  dollars,  unless  a  different  sum  shall 
be  fixed  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  conditioned  that  he 
will  promptly  pay  over  or  deliver,  on  demand,  to  the  General 
Grand  Treasurer,  or  properly  account  for,  all  funds  or  other 
property  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  that  may  come  to  his 
hands  as  General  Grand  Secretary;  and  if  the  General  Grand 
Secretary  elect  shall  fail  or  refuse  to  execute  such  bond  as 
herein  required,  then  the  General  Grand  High  Priest  shall  ap- 
point another  General  Grand  Secretary,  who  shall  execute  the 
required  bond. 

Sec.   15.     The    remaining    General    Grand    Officers    shall 
perform  such   duties   as  pertain  to  their   respective   stations, 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  11 

according  to  the  custom  and  usages  of  the  Craft,  and  as  may 
be  required  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter. 

New  Chapters. 

Sec.  16.  The  General  Grand  High  Priest  shall  have  power 
and  authority,  upon  the  petition  of  nine  or  more  regular  Royal 
Arch  Masons,  to  grant  dispensations,  for  a  limited  time,  for 
the  formation  of  Subordinate  Chapters,  under  the  immediate 
jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  in  all  cases  where 
the  General  Grand  Chapter  has  authority  to  establish  Chapters 
under  the  provisions  of  this  Constitution,  when,  in  his  opinion, 
the  good  of  the  Craft  may  require  the  same ;  the  time  in  no  case 
to  extend  beyond  the  close  of  the  next  Triennial  Convocation 
of  the  General  Grand  Chapter.  But  no  new  Chapter  shall  be 
thus  established  when  there  is  a  Chapter  within  a  reasonable 
distance  in  this  jurisdiction,  without  the  approbation  of  the 
Chapter  nearest  to  the  place  where  said  new  Chapter  is  pro- 
posed to  be  located. 

Chapters  under  dispensation  have  the  same  powers  as  char- 
tered Chapters,  except  the  election  and  installation  of  officers, 
and  the  rights  growing  out  of  such  election  and  installation. 

Duties  of  the  General  Grand  Council. 

Sec.  17.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Grand  High 
Priest,  Deputy  General  Grand  High  Priest,  General  Grand 
King  and  General  Grand  Scribe,  to  improve  and  perfect  them- 
selves in  the  work  and  lectures  pertaining  to  the  degrees  con- 
ferred in  this  jurisdiction,  as  shall  be  prescribed  by  the  General 
Grand  Chapter,  and  to  disseminate  the  same  in  the  manner 
which,  in  their  opinion,  will  best  secure  the  desired  end,  or  as 
may  be  required,  from  time  to  time,  by  the  General  Grand 
Chapter. 

Miscellaneous. 

Sec.  18.  The  officers  of  every  Chapter,  Grand  and  Subor- 
dinate, in  this  jurisdiction,  before  they  enter  upon  the  exercise 
of  the  functions  of  their  respective  offices,  and  every  candidate 


12  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

upon  his  admission,  shall  take  an  obligation  to  support  and 
maintain  the  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  of 
Royal  Arch  Masons  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Degrees. 

Sec.  19.  The  degrees  recognized  by  the  General  Grand 
Chapter  to  be  conferred  in  Chapters  in  this  jurisdiction,  are 
Mark  Master,  Past  Master,  Most  Excellent  Master  and  Royal 
Arch  Mason. 

Fees  and  Dues. 

Sec.  20.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  shall,  from  time  to 
time,  fix  the  amount  to  be  paid  into  the  treasury  thereof,  for 
the  organization  of,  and  as  dues  from,  Subordinate  Chapters 
under  its  immediate  jurisdiction,  and  also  the  assessments  to 
be  paid  by  Grand  Chapters. 

Sec.  21.  The  fees  for  conferring  the  several  degrees  by  the 
Chapters  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  not  be  less  than  twenty  dol- 
lars. 

Appeals. 

Sec.  22.  An  appeal  shall,  in  all  cases,  lie  to  the  General 
Grand  Chapter,  from  the  decision  of  the  General  Grand  High 
Priest;  but  his  opinion  and  decision  shall  stand  as  the  judg- 
ment of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  unless  it  shall  be  other- 
wise determined  by  the  concurrent  vote  of  a  majority  of  the 
members  present. 

ARTICLE  II. 

Grand  Chapters. 

Sec.  23.  Whenever  there  shall  be  three  Subordinate  Chap- 
ters regularly  chartered  and  constituted  in  any  State,  District, 
Republic  or  Territory,  by  virtue  of  authority  derived  from  this 
Constitution,  a  Grand  Chapter  may  be  established,  as  soon  as 
convenience  and  propriety  may  dictate ;  provided,  that  the  ap- 
probation  of   the   General   Grand   High   Priest   shall   have  been 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  13 

first  obtained.  And  any  Grand  Chapter,  thus  established,  shall 
have  and  possess  all  the  rights,  privileges  and  prerogatives 
conferred  upon  Grand  Chapters  by  this  Constitution. 

Of  Whom  Composed. 
Sec.  24.     Grand  Chapters  shall  consist : 

1.  Of  the  following  Elective  Officers,  that  is  to  say  :  Grand 
High  Priest,  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest,  Grand  King,  Grand 
Scribe,  Grand  Treasurer  and  Grand  Secretary. 

2.  Of  the  following  Appointed  Officers,  that  is  to  say: 
Grand  Chaplain,  Grand  Captain  of  the  Host;  Grand  Royal 
Arch  Captain  and  Grand  Sentinel.  Grand  Chapters  may,  how- 
ever, provide  for  the  election  of  these  officers,  or  any  of  them, 
by  provisions  to  that  effect  in  their  Constitution  or  By-laws; 
and  may,  also,  in  the  same  manner,  provide  for  the  election  or 
appointment  of  such  other  officers  as  they  may  see  proper,  not 
in  contravention  of  this  Constitution,  and  the  usages  and  cus- 
toms of  Royal  Arch  Masonry  in  this  jurisdiction. 

3.  Of  the  Past  Grand  High  Priests,  Past  Deputy  Grand 
High  Priests,  Past  Grand  Kings  and  Past  Grand  Scribes  of 
any  Grand  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction,  while  they  continue 
members  of  a  Chapter  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand 
Chapter  in  which  they  seek  admission. 

4.  Of  the  Past  High  Priests  of  the  chartered  Chapters  un- 
der their  respective  jurisdictions;  also,  such  Past  High  Priests 
of  other  jurisdictions,  who  have  removed  thereto  and  become 
affiliated  with  a  chartered  Chapter,  who  may  be  elected  to 
permanent  membership  by  the  Grand  Chapter;  provided  the 
Grand  Chapter  shall  have  first  so  prescribed  in  its  Constitution 
or  By-laws. 

5.  Of  the  High  Priests,  Kings  and  Scribes,  or  their  proxies 
duly  appointed,  of  the  chartered  Chapters  under  their  respec- 
tive jurisdictions;  or,  in  their  abscence,  then  in  their  stead,  a 
representative  appointed  by  the  Chapter,  provided,  that  any 
Grand  Chapter  may,  in  its  Constitution  or  By-laws,  limit  the 


14  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

number  of  representatives  of  its  subordinates  to  one,  who  shall 
be  the  High  Priest,  King,  Scribe,  or  representative  chosen  by 
the  Subordinate  Chapter,  and  having  precedence  in  the  order 
named. 

Meetings. 

Sec.  25.  The  Stated  Convocations  of  Grand  Chapters  shall 
be  holden  at  least  once  in  every  two  years,  and  oftener,  if  they 
shall  consider  it  expedient  or  necessary,  and  at  such  time  and 
place  as  they  shall  respectively  determine. 

Elections. 

Sec.  26.  At  each  annual  or  biennial  Convocation  the  elec- 
tive officers  shall  be  chosen  by  ballot,  by  a  majority  of  the 
votes  cast. 

Voting. 

Sec.  27.  Each  member  of  a  Grand  Chapter  has  one  vote, 
and  no  more,  in  his  own  right;  but  if  any  officer  of  a  Chapter 
is  not  present  in  person  or  by  proxy,  his  vote  may  be  cast  by 
the  senior  officer  present,  or  if  none,  by  the  proxy  of  the  senior 
officer ;  if  no  officer  or  his  proxy  is  present,  the  representative 
of  the  Chapter  shall  be  entitled  to  three  votes,  provided,  that 
when  a  Grand  Chapter  shall  prescribe  that  there  shall  be  but 
one  representative  from  each  of  its  subordinates,  such  Chapter 
or  representative  shall  have  but  one  vote,  but  this  provision 
shall  not  be  construed  as  to  interfere  with  the  operations  of 
paragraph  4,  of  Section  24. 

Powers. 

Sec.  28.  Grand  Chapters  have  the  sole  government  and 
superintendence,  except  as  herein  otherwise  specially  provided, 
of  the  several  Subordinate  Chapters  within  their  respective 
jurisdictions;  to  assign  their  limits  and  to  settle  any  contro- 
versies which  may  arise  between  them ;  and  shall  have  power 
in  such  manner  and  under  such  restrictions  as  they  may  sever- 
ally determine,  not  inconsistent  with   the  provisions  of  this 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  15 

Constitution,  to   establish   new  Subordinate   Chapters  within 
their  respective  jurisdictions. 

Duties  of  Officers. 

Sec.  29.  The  officers  of  Grand  Chapters  shall  severally 
perform  such  duties  and  shall  possess  and  enjoy  such  powers, 
prerogatives  and  privileges  within  their  respective  jurisdic- 
tions as  are  required,  possessed  and  enjoyed  by  the  officers  of 
the  General  Grand  Chapter  of  like  grade,  under  the  provisions 
of  this  Constitution,  as  far  as  the  same  may  be  applicable. 

Grand  Chapters  may  require  their  Grand  Officers  to  per- 
form such  other  duties  as  may  be  deemed  appropriate,  not  in- 
consistent with  the  provisions  of  this  Constitution,  or  the 
usages  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry  in  this  jurisdiction. 

Sec.  30.  Grand  Secretaries  of  Grand  Chapters  shall  sever- 
ally make  an  annual  communication  to  each  other,  and  also  to 
the  General  Grand  Secretary,  'containing  a  list  of  Grand  Offi- 
cers, and  all  such  other  matters  as  may  be  deemed  necessary 
for  the  mutual  benefit  and  information  of  the  Grand  Chapters ; 
and  shall  also  transmit  to  the  General  Grand  Secretary  a  copy 
of  all  their  by-laws  and  regulations,  and,  annually,  a  copy  of 
their  Proceedings  to  each  of  the  officers  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter. 

Revenue. 

Sec.  31.  Grand  Chapters  may  make  upon  the  Subordinate 
Chapters  within  their  respective  jurisdictions,  such  assess- 
ments for  revenue  as  may  be  necessary  to  defray  the  expenses 
of  the  Grand  Chapter;  and  may  prescribe  the  time  and  man- 
ner of  the  payment  thereof;  and  may,  also,  require  of  their  re- 
spective Subordinate  Chapters,  at  stated  times,  such  informa- 
tion as  to  their  condition  as  may  be  deemed  proper,  and  may 
prescribe  penalties  for  a  failure  to  do  these  things. 

Miscellaneous. 

Sec.  32.  Grand  Chapters,  in  the  formation  of  Subordinate 
Chapters   in  their  respective  jurisdictions,   shall   observe   the 


16  CONSTITUTION    OF   THE 

requirements  and  provisions  of  this  Constitution  in  relation  to 
the  establishment  of  Subordinate  Chapters  under  the  immedi- 
ate jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  so  far  as  the 
same  may  be  applicable. 

Sec.  33.  Grand  Chapters  may  concede  territorial  jurisdic- 
tion to  each  other,  over  territory  nearer  to  a  Chapter  in  another 
jurisdiction  than  to  one  in  their  own. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Subordinate  Chapters. 

Sec.  34.  Every  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  throughout 
this  jurisdiction  shall  have  a  dispensation  or  a  charter,  issued 
under  the  authority  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  or  some 
Grand  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction  ;  and  no  Chapter  shall  be 
deemed  legal  without  such  dispensation  or  charter;  and  Ma- 
sonic communication,  both  public  and  private,  is  hereby  inter- 
dicted and  forbidden  between  any  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction, 
or  any  member  thereof,  and  any  Chapter  or  assembly  that  may 
be  so  illegally  formed,  opened  or  holden,  or  any  member  there- 
of, or  any  person  exalted  or  advanced  therein.  But  nothing 
in  this  section  shall  be  construed  to  affect  any  Chapter  which 
was  established  before  the  adoption  of  the  Grand  Royal  Arch 
Constitution,  at  Hartford,  January  27,  1798. 

Sec.  35.  No  dispensation  or  charter  shall  be  granted  for 
instituting  Lodges  of  Most  Excellent,  Past  or  Mark  Masters 
independent  of  a  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons. 

Sec.  36.  Charters  for  instituting  Chapters  of  Royal  Arch 
Masons  shall  contain  also  the  power  to  open  and  hold  Lodges 
of  Most  Excellent,  Past,  and  Mark  Master  Masons — the  High 
Priest,  King,  and  Scribe,  for  the  time  being,  to  be  the  Master 
and  Wardens  in  said  Lodges. 

Sec.  37.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  High  Priest  of  every  Chapter, 
as  appertaining  to  his  office,  to  see  that  the  By-laws  of  his 
Chapter,  as  well  as  the  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter,  and  the  Constitution,  By-laws  and  Regulations  of  the 
Grand  Chapter,  by  authority  of  which  his  Chapter  is  working. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  17 

be  duly  observed ;  that  all  the  subordinate  officers  of  his  Chap- 
ter perform  the  duties  of  their  respective  stations  faithfully,  and 
are  examples  of  diligence  and  industry  to  their  companions ; 
that  true  and  exact  records  be  kept  of  all  the  transactions  of 
the  Chapter,  by  the  Secretary;  that  the  Treasurer  keep  and 
render  exact  and  just  accounts  of  all  moneys  belonging  to  the 
Chapter ;  that  the  regular  returns  be  made  by  the  Secretary  to 
the  Grand  Chapter,  and  the  annual  dues  thereto  be  regularly 
and  punctually  paid.  The  charter  of  his  Chapter  is  committed 
to  his  special  care  and  charge.  He  has  the  right  and  authority 
of  calling  his  Chapter  together  at  pleasure,  upon  any  emer- 
gency or  occurrence  which  in  his  judgment  may  require  a 
meeting.  It  is  also  his  duty,  together  with  the  King  and 
Scribe  of  his  Chapter,  to  attend  the  Convocations  of  the  Grand 
Chapter,  either  in  person  or  by  proxy. 

Sec.  38.  Whenever  it  shall  be  inconvenient  for  the  General 
Grand  High  Priest,  or  a  Grand  High  Priest,  to  attend  in  per- 
son, to  constitute  a  new  Chapter  and  install  the  officers,  he 
shall  have  power  and  authority  to  appoint  some  worthy  High 
Priest  or  Past  High  Priest  to  perform  the  necessary  cere- 
monies. 

Sec.  39.  No  person  having  been  a  member  of  a  Chapter 
shall  be  admitted  a  member  of  any  Chapter  in  this  jurisdiction 
until  he  shall  have  produced  a  certificate  from  the  Chapter  to 
which  he  last  belonged,  that  he  was  in  regular  standing,  and  as 
such,  at  his  own  request,  was  dismissed  and  recommended, 
unless  such  Chapter  has  ceased  to  exist — in  which  case  the  cer- 
tificate of  the  General  Grand  or  Grand  Secretary  of  the  juris- 
diction in  which  such  Chapter  had  existed,  as  the  case  may  be, 
shall  be  held  sufficient. 

Sec.  40.  Chapters  in  this  jurisdiction  are  authorized  to  con- 
fer the  degrees  of  Mark  Master,  Past  Master  and  Most  Excel- 
lent Master,  on  any  worthy  Companion  from  without  this  jur- 
isdiction, who  may  present  himself  as  a  Royal  Arch  Mason, 
and  produce  satisfactory  evidence  of  having  received  that  de- 
gree, to  the  end  that  he  may  be  healed  and  thereby  become  a 
regular  Royal  Arch   Mason,  free  of  charge.     For  conferring 


18  CONSTITUTION    OF   THE 

said  degrees,  in  such  cases,  Chapters  shall  be  exempt  from 
paying  any  dues. 

Sec.  41.  No  Chapter  shall  confer  the  degrees  of  the  Chap- 
ter upon  any  person  whose  fixed  place  of  abode  is  within  any 
other  State,  District  or  Territory  in  which  there  is  a  Grand 
Chapter  regularly  established,  except  by  the  consent  of  the 
Subordinate  Chapter  nearest  the  place  of  residence  of  the  ap- 
plicant, or  when  the  Grand  Chapter  has  ceded  the  territory  on 
which  he  resides. 

Sec.  42.  When  the  High  Priest  of  a  Chapter  is  absent,  or, 
in  case  of  his  inability  to  act,  his  powers  and  prerogatives  shall 
vest  in  the  King  and  Scribe,  in  succession.  In  the  absence  of 
all  these  officers  from  a  stated  convocation  or  a  special  Convo- 
cation legally  called,  the  Junior  Past  High  Priest  present  may 
open  the  Chapter  and  preside. 

Rejected  Candidates. 
Sec.  43.     No  Chapter  under  this  jurisdiction  shall  confer 
the  degrees  on  any  candidate  previously  rejected  by  any  other 
Chapter,  without  the  consent  of  such  rejecting  Chapter,  pro- 
vided such  Chapter  be  in  existence. 

Quorum. 
Sec.  44.     For  all  purposes,  except  opening  and  closing  a 
Chapter  and  conferring  degrees,  nine  members  of  the  Chapter 
are  necessary  to  constitute  a  quorum. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Amendments. 
Sec.  45.  Amendments  to  this  Constitution  may  be  made  at 
any  Triennial  Convocation,  upon  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds 
of  the  votes  to  which  members  present  may  be  entitled,  pro- 
vided the  proposed  amendment  shall  have  been  reported  upon 
by  the  Committee  on  Jurisprudence,  provided,  also,  that  if  said 
Committee  shall  fail  to  make  report,  the  proposed  amendment 
may  be  called  up  by  consent  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present,  and  be  acted  on  as  if  such  report  had  been  made. 


STANDING  REGULATIONS 

Adopted  August  25,  1880. 


First.  For  instituting  a  new  Chapter,  there  shall  be  paid 
into  the  treasury  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  ninety  dollars. 

Second.  Chapters  under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  the 
General  Grand  Chapter  shall  pay  into  the  treasury  thereof  one 
dollar  for  each  exaltation  by  such  Chapters ;  and  twenty-five 
cents  annually  for  each  and  every  member  of  the  same.  As 
Amended  August  24,  1894. 

Third.  Grand  Chapters  of  this  jurisdiction  shall  pay  an- 
nually, on  or  before  the  first  day  of  July,  into  the  treasury  of 
the  General  Grand  Chapter  the  sum  of  one  cent  for  each  Royal 
Arch  Mason  borne  upon  the  rolls  of  their  subordinates  at  the 
date  of  their  preceding  annual  reports. 

Fourth.  The  salary  of  the  General  Grand  Secretary  shall 
be  eight  hundred  dollars  per  annum.  As  Amended  October  8, 
1903. 

Fifth.  The  General  Grand  Treasurer  shall  receive  as  com- 
pensation for  his  services  two  and  one-half  per  centum  upon 
each  and  every  dollar  of  disbursements  made  by  him. 

Sixth.  The  necessary  expenses  incurred  by  the  officers  of 
the  General  Grand  Chapter,  except  the  General  Grand  Chap- 
lain and  General  Grand  Sentinel,  shall  be  audited  by  the  Com- 
mittee on  Finance,  and  paid  by  the  General  Grand  Treasurer. 

Seventh.  A  reasonable  compensation  shall  be  paid  to  the 
General  Grand  Sentinel,  to  be  fixed  by  the  Committee  on 
Finance. 

Eighth.  The  By-laws  of  all  Chapters  within  the  immediate 
jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  and  all  amendments 
to  the  same,  shall  be  inoperative  until  approved  by  the  General 
Grand  Chapter  or  the  General  Grand  High  Priest.  Adopted 
August  24,  tHq  1 


UNIFORM  CODE  OF  BY-LAWS 

RECOMMENDED    FOR   CHAPTERS   UNDER 

GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER 


By-laws   of Chapter,    No — ,    Royal   Arch    Masons, 

held  in  the of ,  County  of ,  State  of . 

Article  I. 

The  name  of  this  Chapter  shall  be Chapter,  No . 

Royal  Arch  Masons.  Its  officers  consisting  of  an  Excellent 
High  Priest,  King,  Scribe,  Treasurer  and  Secretary.  Captain 
of  the  Host,  Principal  Sojourner,  Royal  Arch  Captain,  Master 
of  the  3d  Vail,  Master  of  the  2d  Vail,  Master  of  the  1st  Vail 
and  Sentinel,  whose  styles  shall  be  Companion,  who  shall  be 
elected  annually  at  the  regular  Convocation  held  on  the  even- 
ing of  the day  of ,  and  shall  be  installed  at  the  same 

Convocation  or  within  forty  days  thereafter.* 

Article  II. 

The  regular  Convocations  of  this  Chapter  shall  be  held  on 

the . 

Article  III. 

Applications  for  degrees  shall  be  made  in  writing,  be  signed 
by  the  petitioner,  shall  specify  his  age,  residence  and  occupa- 
tion, and  shall  be  recommended  by  at  least  two  members  of  the 
Chapter,  shall  be  presented  at  a  regular  Convocation,  and  shall 
be  referred  to  a  committee  of  three  members  for  inquiry  and 
report,  and  may  be  acted  upon  at  the  same  Convocation  at 
which  the  petition  may  be  received. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  21 

Article  IV. 

The  fees  for  conferring  the  degrees  shall  be  f$ ,  divided 

as  follows :  For  the  degree  of  Mark  Master,  $ .     For  the 

degree  of  Past  Master,  $ .     For  the  degree  of  Most  Excel- 
lent Master,  $ ,  and  for  the  degree  of  Royal  Arch  Mason, 


A  unanimous  ballot  must  be  had  for  the  candidate  for  each 
degree,  and  in  no  case  shall  a  ballot  be  taken  until  the  money 
required  for  the  degree  applied  for  shall  be  in  actual  deposit 
with  the  Secretary. 

Article  V. 

Each  member  shall  pay  annually  the  sum  of  $ ,  at  or  be- 
fore the  regular  or  stated  Convocation  for  the  election  of  offi- 
cers as  yearly  dues. 

Article  VI. 

A  member  who  shall  be  in  arrears  for  dues  one  year  or  more 
shall  be  notified  to  appear  and  show  cause,  if  any  there  be,  at 
the  next  ensuing  stated  Convocation,  why  he  should  not  be 
suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  and  at  such  Convocation, 
unless  such  dues  shall  have  been  paid  or  remitted,  then,  unless 
excused  by  the  Chapter,  he  may  be  suspended  by  a  two-thirds 
vote  of  all  the  members  present.  And  if  he  shall  afterwards 
pay  all  arrearages  to  the  date  of  such  suspension  he  shall 
thereby  be  reinstated. 

Article  VII. 

No  alteration  or  amendment  of  these  By-laws  shall  be  made 
unless  the  same  be  proposed  in  writing  at  a  stated  Convoca- 
tion, when  such  proposed  amendment  shall  be  entered  upon 
the  minutes  and  lie  over  until  the  next  regular  Convocation, 
when,  if  approved  by  a  majority  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present,  the  amendment  shall  be  submitted  for  inspection  and 
approval  to  the  General  Grand  High  Priest,  as  required  by 
Standing  Regulation  No.  8.  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter, 
whereupon,  if  approved,  the  same  shall  be  in  force.*  Proc. 
1900,  p.  112. 

*Until  a  Chapter  is  constituted  under  its  Charter  it  cannot  elect  or  install  officers. 
tThe  minimum  fee  established  by  the  General   Grand   Chapter  is  $20. 


DIGEST  OF  THE  DECISIONS 

OF  THE 

General  Grand  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons 

OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 


ALPHABETICALLY  ARRANGED 


Affiliation. 

1.  Membership  in  a  Chapter  should  be  dependent  upon  and 
co-existent  with  membership  in  a  Lodge  of  Master  Masons. 
Pro.  1889,  pp.  76,  83. 

2.  The  resolution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  adopted 
in  1889  (See  Pro.  of  1889,  p.  83),  is  as  follows: 

"Resolved,  That  membership  in  a  Chapter  should  be  de- 
pendent "upon  and  co-existent  with  membership  in  a  Lodge  of 
Freemasons"- — is  declaratory  only  of  the  sense  of  the  General 
Grand  Chapter  that  every  Royal  Arch  Mason  ought  to  be  in 
affiliation  with  a  Lodge  of  Freemasons ;  but  any  legislation 
upon  the  subject  must  be  left  to  the  Grand  Chapters  of  States 
and  Territories,  or  to  their  subordinates ;  and  the  power  of  the 
General  Grand  Chapter  in  the  matter  is  limited  to  its  immediate 
subordinates.    Pro.  1891,  p.  42. 

3.  Held  that  without  any  regulation  prescribed  on  the  sub- 
ject, Masonic  affiliation  would  be  held  voluntary,  and  non- 
affiliation  would  not  be  a  Masonic  offence.  The  matter  of 
non-affiliation  is  within  the  control  of  State  Grand  Chapters, 
each  within  its  jurisdiction.    Pro.  1900,  pp.  39,  111. 

4.  Dimitted  Royal  Arch  Masons  who  become  demented 
before  petitioning  for  affiliation  in  other  Chapters  are  disquali- 
fied during  the  time  of  dementia.     Pro.  1912.  p.  43. 


24  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

5.  The  General  Grand  Chapter,  in  1889,  adopted  a  resolu- 
tion prescribing  that  membership  in  a  Chapter  should  be 
dependent  on  and  co-existent  with  membership  in  a  Lodge  of 
Freemasons;  the  rule  so  formulated  is  binding  upon  the  mem- 
bership of  all  Chapters  subordinate  to  the  General  Grand 
Chapter.    Pro.  1900,  pp.  39,  111. 

6.  In  the  absence  of  any  legislation  by  a  Grand  Chapter 
covering  the  subject  of  conferring  degrees  on  one  who  is  not 
an  affiliated  Master  Mason,  a  chapter  has  the  right  to  receive 
and  act  upon  the  petition  and  confer  the  degrees.  Pro.  1915, 
p.  39. 

See  Candidates,  2;  Chapters,  U.  D.,  9;  Membership. 

Altar. 

1.  The  three  great  lights  in  Freemasonry  are  the  only 
requisites  needed  for  display  on  the  Altar  during  Convocations 
held  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Capitular  Rite.  Pro.  1906, 
pp.  34,  120. 

Appeal. 

1.  In  1850,  the  General  Grand  Chapter  entertained  an 
appeal  from  the  action  of  the  Grand  Chapter  of  New  York, 
but  dismissed  it.    Pro.  1850.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  258. 

2.  The  right  of  appeal  to  the  General  Grand  Chapter  by  a 
Subordinate  Chapter  from  the  decision  of  its  Grand  Chapter 
does  not  exist  in  the  Constitution,  nor  has  there  ever  been  a 
precedent  for  it.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  pp.  338,  340;  Cons.,  Sec.  7. 

3.  An  appeal  may  be  taken  from  the  decision  of  the  Gen- 
eral Grand  High  Priest  to  the  General  Grand  Chapter.  Reprint 
of  Pro.  1856,  p.  388 ;  Cons.,  Sec.  22. 

Ballot. 

1.  It  is  contrary  to  the  landmarks  to  excuse  a  member 
from  voting  upon  a  petition  for  the  degrees.    Pro.  1877,  p.  89. 

2.  The  ballot  should  be  secret.  No  inquiry  should  be 
allowed  as  to  who  cast  a  black  ball,  and  no  inquiry  can  be  made 
as  to  the  motive  which  induced  a  companion  to  cast  a  black 
ball.    Pro.  1886,  pp.  41.  120. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  25 

3.  When  a  ballot  for  degrees  has  commenced  it  should  be 
concluded  and  the  result  declared  without  postponement.  Pro. 
1886,  pp.  41,  126. 

4.  A  Companion  who  exposes  his  ballot  or  reveals  the 
nature  of  his  vote  should  be  disciplined  therefor.  Pro.  1886, 
p.  120. 

5.  A  petition  for  degrees  must  be  disposed  of  by  ballot. 
Pro.  1884,  p.  53. 

By-Laws. 

1.  The  By-Laws  of  a  Chapter  or  any  part  of  them  cannot 
be  suspended  temporarily  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  the 
members  of  the  Chapter  or  otherwise.    Pro.  1886,  p.  126. 

2.  An  official  bond,  when  required,  should  be  given  for 
each  term  of  service.  The  condition  of  an  official  bond  is  for 
performance  of  duty  not  always,  but  for  a  specified  term,  and 
is  therefore  not  binding  on  the  sureties  beyond  the  term  speci- 
fied.   Pro.  1900,  pp.  37,  111. 

Candidates. 

1.  Previously  to  1889,  there  was  no  law  of  the  General 
Grand  Chapter  prohibiting  the  conferring  of  the  Chapter 
degrees  upon  a  non-affiliated  Master  Mason.  Pro.  1889,  pp. 
27,81. 

2.  But  in  1889,  the  General  Grand  Chapter  decided  that 
"hereafter  no  Chapter  degree  shall  be  conferred  upon  a  non- 
affiliated Master  Mason."    Pro.  1889,  p.  81. 

3.  It  is  incompetent  for  Royal  Arch  Chapters  to  confer  the 
respective  degrees  of  Masonry  upon  candidates  whose  physical 
defects  are  such  as  to  prevent  them  from  conforming  literally 
to  all  the  requirements  of  such  degrees.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p. 
329. 

4.  A  Chapter  has  the  right  to  request  another  Chapter  to 
confer  the  degrees  upon  an  elected  candidate,  and  it  may  sur- 
render jurisdiction  over  a  candidate.    Pro.  1889,  p.  81. 


26  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

5.  The  petition  of  a  rejected  candidate  cannot  be  again 
considered  unless  he  present  a  petition  anew  after  at  least  six 
months  shall  have  elapsed.    Pro.  1889,  p.  81. 

6.  The  time  elapsing  after  a  candidate  has  been  rejected 
before  he  can  apply  again  is  determined  by  the  rejecting  Chap- 
ter, except  that  now  the  term  cannot  be  less  than  six  months 
Pro.  1883,  p.  22.    Pro.  1889,  pp.  25,  81. 

7.  A  Master  Mason  who  has  lost  the  index  finger  of  the 
right  hand  at  the  second  joint  may  be  exalted  a  Royal  Arch 
Mason.     Pro.  1887,  pp.  20.  89. 

8.  A  Mark  Master  Mason  whose  right  knee  is  without 
motion,  perfectly  stiff,  is  unable  to  conform  literally  to  the 
requirements  of  the  work,  and  cannot  receive  the  Chapter 
degrees.    Pro.  1877,  pp.  20,  89. 

9.  A  blind  Mason  cannot  receive  the  Chapter  degrees. 
Pro.  1877,  pp.  20,  89. 

10.  Candidates  who  are  crippled  may  be  accepted  when 
their  maim  does  not  amount  to  inability  to  comply  with  our 
rites  and  ceremonies.    Pro.  1883,  pp.  23,  90. 

11.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  does  not  prescribe  the 
qualifications  of  candidates.  According  to  the  landmarks,  they 
must  be  Master  Masons.  The  term  "in  good  standing"  is 
determined  by  the  laws  governing  the  Master  Masons'  Lodges 
in  each  particular  jurisdiction.  If  an  unaffiliated  Mason  is  in 
good  standing  he  is  eligible  for  degrees.  Pro.  1874,  pp.  25,  60. 
Pro.  1883,  pp.  23,  90. 

This  was  the  law  previously  to  1889;  but  see  Candidates, 
2;  ante.    Pro.  1889,  p.  81. 

12.  In  Chapters  under  dispensation,  under  the  immediate 
jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  the  Companions 
under  the  dispensation,  including  those  exalted  in  such  Chap- 
ters, are  the  only  qualified  voters  on  petitions  for  degrees.  Pro. 
1883,  pp.  22,  90. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  27 

13.  A  petition  cannot  be  withdrawn  after  it  has  been 
entered  of  record,  either  by  unanimous  consent  or  otherwise. 
Pro.  1883,  pp.  21,  90. 

14.  Petitioners  for  degrees  and  for  membership  in  Chap- 
ters under  the  General  Grand  Chapter  must  be  affiliated  Master 
Masons.    Pro.  1883,  pp.  22,  90.    Pro.  1889,  p.  83. 

15.  The  acceptance  of  a  candidate  who  has  an  artificial  leg, 
but  who  can  conform  to  the  requirements  of  the  work,  is  per- 
missible.   Pro.  1894,  p.  54. 

16.  The  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  is  silent 
on  the  subject  of  jurisdiction  relative  to  time  of  residence,  but 
the  edicts  declare  that  six  months  shall  expire  after  an  appli- 
cant is  rejected  before  he  can  renew  his  application;  it  would 
seem,  therefore,  that  six  months'  residence  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  a  Chapter  would  authorize  it  to  entertain  an  application. 
Pro.  1903,  pp.  42,  122. 

17.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  Porto  Rico  is  a  Sovereign  body 
with  complete  control  over  the  Lodges  of  its  obedience ;  that 
the  Master  Masons  made  in  its  Lodges  are  entitled  to  full  and 
complete  recognition  everywhere,  and  as  such  are  eligible  to 
receive  the  degrees  conferred  in  Royal  Arch  Chapters.  Pro. 
1906,  p.  123. 

See  Degrees;  Jurisdiction,  1,  2;  Meetings,  6,  7;  Objec- 
tion, 1,2;  Residence,  Substitutes,  1. 

Certificates. 
See  Diplomas. 

Chapters. 

1.  A  Chapter  cannot  be  formed  without  a  dispensation  or 
charter  from  a  Grand  Chapter.  Pro.  1847.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p. 
232.  And  Chapters  formed  without  such  dispensation  or  char- 
ter cannot  legally  unite  and  form  a  Grand  Chapter.  Ibid.,  p. 
233  ;  Cons.,  Sec.  23. 


28  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

2.  A  Chapter  can  be  properly  opened  by  a  Past  High  Priest 
in  the  absence  of  the  High  Priest,  King  and  Scribe.  Cons., 
Sec.  42. 

3.  A  Chapter  may  be  dissolved  by  the  vote  of  a  majority 
of  its  members.  The  membership  of  such  Chapter  need  not  be 
summoned  in  the  Masonic  sense  of  the  term,  so  long  as  those 
within  reach  have  been  notified  of  the  proposed  meeting  at 
which  the  question  is  to  be  taken  under  consideration.  Pro. 
1906,  p.  124. 

See  Candidates,  4;  Chapters,  U.  D. ;  Charter,  &c.  10 
Degrees;  Dimits;  Discipline,  2,  3,  4,  5;  Dues;  Funerals 
High  Priests,  1;  Jurisdiction,  1,  2;  Meetings,  4,  5,  6,  7 
Minutes;  Quorum;  Restoration;  Substitutes;  Work,   1,  2. 

Chapters  Under  Dispensation. 

1.  No  dispensation  can  issue  for  a  Chapter  under  the 
authority  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  without  the  approval 
of  the  nearest  Chapter,  if  there  is  one  within  a  reasonable  dis- 
tance.   Cons.,  Sec.  16. 

2.  The  recommendation  of  the  nearest  Chapter  is  not 
required  where  such  nearest  Chapter  is  not  within  a  reasonable 
distance.    Pro.  1865,  p.  30.    Pro.  1877,  p.  90. 

3.  The  officer  granting  a  dispensation  for  a  new  Chapter 
is  the  judge  of  what  constitutes  a  reasonable  distance.  Pro. 
1865,  p.  30.    Pro.  1877,  p.  90. 

4.  A  Chapter,  distant  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  is  not 
within  a  reasonable  distance.    Pro.  1865,  pp.  25,  30. 

5.  There  is  no  prescribed  form  for  approving  the  applica- 
tion for  dispensation  for  a  new  Chapter  on  the  part  of  the 
nearest  Chapter.  A  simple  resolution  is  all  that  is  necessary. 
Pro.  1877,  p.  19. 

6.  In  1826  the  General  Grand  Council,  or  a  majority  of  its 
members,  had  power  to  grant  dispensations  and  charters  for 
Royal  Arch  Chapters  in  any  country  whatever,  where  in  their 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  29 

2.  On  the  first  day  of  each  session  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter,  Committees  on  Credentials,  Returns,  Grievances, 
Finance,  Foreign  Correspondence  and  Masonic  Jurisprudence 
must  be  appointed.    Pro.  1850.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  274. 

3.  Committee  of  General  Grand  Chapter  on  Returns  abol- 
ished.   Pro.  1853.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  331. 

Degrees. 

1.  Companions  from  without  the  jurisdiction  of  the  United 
States  who  may  present  themselves  as  Royal  Arch  Masons, 
producing  satisfactory  evidence  of  having  received  that  degree 
may  be  given  the  degrees  of  Mark  Master,  Past  Master  and 
Most  Excellent  Master  to  the  end  that  they  may  be  healed. 
Pro.  1844.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  198.  Pro.  1850.  Reprint  of  Pro., 
pp.  264,  265,  271  ;  Cons.,  Sec.  40. 

2.  A  foreign  Companion  not  in  possession  of  all  the  de- 
grees as  practiced  in  the  United  States  is  not  allowed  to  visit  a 
Chapter.  Pro.  1850.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  pp.  264,  265,  271.  Pro. 
1877,  p.  17. 

3.  It  is  no  invasion  of  jurisdiction  to  confer  a  missing 
degree  upon  a  member  of  a  foreign  Chapter.     Pro.  1877,  p.  17. 

4.  A  resident  of  one  jurisdiction,  being  a  foreign  Com- 
panion not  in  possession  of  one  of  the  American  degrees,  can 
be  healed  by  a  Chapter  in  another  jurisdiction  in  which  he 
desires  to  visit.    Pro.  1877,  p.  17. 

5.  Healing  a  Companion  of  a  foreign  jurisdiction  to  enable 
him  to  visit  a  Chapter,  does  not  confer  membership  in  a  depend- 
ent Lodge,  nor  does  it  affiliate  him  with  the  Chapter.  Pro. 
1877,  p.  17. 

6.  The  order  of  the  degrees  cannot  be  changed  without  an 
amendment  of  the  Constitution.    Pro.  1877,  p.  90. 

7.  It  is  not  competent  to  confer  the  degrees  upon  clergy- 
men without  fee.  Compare  Pro.  1826.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  98, 
with  Pro.  1847.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  215.    See  paragraph  15. 


30  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

well-known  usages  require  to  complete  the  organization  of  the 
Companions  for  the  work  entrusted  to  their  care,  and  this  done 
they  may  then  proceed  to  receive  and  consider  petitions  to  the 
Chapter  so  formed,  and  cause  a  record  to  be  made  of  the  work 
done.    Pro.  1900,  pp.  38,  111. 

The  words  "adopt  By-laws"  were  eliminated  from  the  above 
decision,  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  on  Juris- 
prudence, which  Committee  had  recommended  and  the  General 
Grand  Chapter  had  adopted  a  code  of  By-laws  applicable  only 
to  Chapters  U:.D.\    Pro.  1900,  pp.  Ill,  112. 

15.  Petitions  for  charters  for  Chapters  U:.D.\  may  include 
as  petitioners  Royal  Arch  Masons  who  are  not  members  of 
such  Chapters  U.\D.\,  but  are  otherwise  qualified.     Pro.  1912, 

p.  43. 

16.  High  Priests  of  Chapters  U:.D.\  who  permanently 
remove  to  other  jurisdictions  do  not  thereby  vacate  their  office, 
so  as  to  create  a  vacancy.  In  such  cases  the  King  performs  the 
duties  of  High  Priest.    Pro.  1912,  p.  43. 

Charges. 

Charges  against  a  companion  for  unmasonic  conduct  must 
be  preferred  at  a  stated  convocation  of  a  Chapter.  Pro.  1886, 
p.  126. 

Charters  and  Dispensations. 

1.  A  Charter  was  issued  to  W —  as  High  Priest,  and  M — 
as  King  of  a  new  Chapter,  with  authority  to  them  to  name  the 
remaining  officers.    Pro.  1835.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  133. 

2.  Upon  the  organization  of  a  new  Grand  Chapter  the 
Subordinate  Chapters  may  continue  to  work  under  their  old 
charters,  or  take  out  new  ones  as  the  Grand  Chapter  may 
decide.    Pro.  1877,  p.  89.    Pro.  1886,  p.  46. 

3.  Such  new  charters  should  not  be  in  the  form  of  original 
warrants,  but  should  recite  the  fact  of  the  previous  existence  of 
the  Chapter,  and  authorize  its  continued  existence.  Pro.  1877, 
p.  18. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  31 

4.  A  charter  granted  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter  can- 
not thereafter  receive  amendment.    Pro.  1886,  pp.  44,  120. 

5.  Before  a  charter  can  issue,  each  Companion  named  in 
such  charter  must  present  a  dimit  from  the  Chapter  of  which 
he  was  last  a  member.    Pro.  1883,  p.  91. 

6.  It  is  usual,  but  not  legally  necessary,  to  name  as  the 
first  three  officers  in  a  charter  the  same  Companions  named  in 
the  dispensation.    Pro.  1877,  pp.  14,  88. 

7.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  General  Grand  Secretary  to  insert 
in  the  charter  as  the  first  three  officers  of  the  Chapter  the 
names  of  the  Companions  recommended  by  the  resolution 
adopted  by  the  Chapter,  U;.D;.    Pro.  1877,  pp.  15,  89. 

8.  The  Companions  named  as  first  three  officers  in  a  char- 
ter should  be  members  of  the  Chapter,  although  they  need  not 
be  of  the  petitioners  for  the  dispensation.    Pro.  1877,  p.  14. 

9.  Appointments  until  the  issuance  of  a  charter  are  tem- 
porary ;  when  the  Chapter  receives  its  charter  it  proceeds  to 
bold  its  first  election  under  the  charter,  and  the  officers  so 
elected  and  installed  hold  until  the  next  annual  election  under 
the  By-laws,  and  until  their  successors  are  installed.  Pro. 
1877,  pp.  15,  89. 

10.  When  the  charter  of  a  Chapter  has  been  accidentally 
destroyed,  a  substitute  therefor,  with  proper  recitals,  may  be 
issued.    Pro.  1847.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  225.    Pro.  1886,  p.  126. 

11.  When  a  vote  was  passed  to  give  a  charter  to  petitioners 
for  a  Chapter  the  case  was  closed,  and  the  petitioners  (for 
charter)  named  were  the  only  ones  to  be  named  in  the  charter. 
Pro.  1886,  p.  44. 

12.  Whenever  it  shall  be  made  to  appear  to  the  satisfaction 
of  the  General  Grand  High  Priest  that  any  charter  issued  by 
the  General  Grand  Chapter  has  been  lost  or  destroyed,  he  may 
order  the  General  Grand  Secretary  to  issue  a  duplicate  of  the 
original,  which  to  all  intents  and  purposes  shall  be  as  effectual 
as  the  original  charter.     Pro.  1906.  p.  120. 


32  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

13.  The  charter  of  a  Chapter  thus  surrendered  cannot  be 
restored  to  a  minority  of  its  members,  and  once  surrendered  is 
terminated.     Pro.  1906,  p.  124. 

14.  A  charter  may  be  given  to  members  of  a  formerly 
existing-  Chapter  provided  that  they  petition  for  the  same,  and 
are  found  worthy.    Pro.  1906,  p.  124. 

15.  The  charter  of  a  Chapter  existing  under  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  whether  within  the  territory  of 
the  United  States  or  a  foreign  country,  cannot  be  transferred 
to  a  Grand  Chapter  under  any  circumstances  or  conditions, 
*  *  *  the  jurisdiction  of  a  Grand  Chapter  does  not  extend 
beyond  the  territorial  limits  of  the  State  in  which  it  exercises 
jurisdiction.     Pro.  1909,  p.  129. 

16.  All  members  of  a  chapter  working  under  dispensation 
when  the  charter  is  granted  and  issued  are  charter  members 
and  entitled  to  have  their  names  inscribed  thereon.  Pro.  1915, 
p.  40.  4 

Clothing. 

1.  The  clothing  of  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  is  defined  to  be  a 
white  lamb  skin  apron  (for  which  cotton  or  linen  cannot  be 
substituted),  square  in  form,  lined  with  scarlet  silk  and  with 
a  narrow  edging  of  scarlet,  without  any  device  whatever  on  the 
body,  but  with  a  triple  tau  cross  within  a  triangle,  and  that 
within  a  circle  on  the  flap.  Pro.  1859,  p.  42.  Re-enacted  1889. 
Pro.,  p.  100. 

2.  Where  no  official  collar  is  worn,  a  collar  of  scarlet  vel- 
vet coming  to  a  point  in  front,  edged  w*h  narrow  gold  lace, 
from  which  may  be  suspended  a  triple  interlaced  triangle  of 
gold  or  yellow  metal  as  a  jewel.    Pro.  1859,  p.  42. 

Committees. 

1.  The  appointment  of  Committees  is  the  prerogative  of 
the  High  Priest.    Pro.  1871,  p.  33  ;  Cons.,  Sec.  10. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  33 

2.  On  the  first  day  of  each  session  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter,  Committees  on  Credentials,  Returns,  Grievances, 
Finance,  Foreign  Correspondence  and  Masonic  Jurisprudence 
must  be  appointed.    Pro.  1850.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  274. 

3.  Committee  of  General  Grand  Chapter  on  Returns  abol- 
ished.   Pro.  1853.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  331. 

Degrees. 

1.  Companions  from  without  the  jurisdiction  of  the  United 
States  who  may  present  themselves  as  Royal  Arch  Masons, 
producing  satisfactory  evidence  of  having  received  that  degree 
may  be  given  the  degrees  of  Mark  Master,  Past  Master  and 
Most  Excellent  Master  to  the  end  that  they  may  be  healed. 
Pro.  1844.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  198.  Pro.  1850.  Reprint  of.  Pro., 
pp.  264,  265,  271 ;  Cons.,  Sec.  40. 

2.  A  foreign  Companion  not  in  possession  of  all  the  de- 
grees as  practiced  in  the  United  States  is  not  allowed  to  visit  a 
Chapter.  Pro.  1850.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  pp.  264,  265,  271.  Pro. 
1877,  p.  17. 

3.  It  is  no  invasion  of  jurisdiction  to  confer  a  missing 
degree  upon  a  member  of  a  foreign  Chapter.     Pro.  1877,  p.  17. 

4.  A  resident  of  one  jurisdiction,  being  a  foreign  Com- 
panion not  in  possession  of  one  of  the  American  degrees,  can 
be  healed  by  a  Chapter  in  another  jurisdiction  in  which  he 
desires  to  visit.    Pro.  1877,  p.  17. 

5.  Healing  a  Companion  of  a  foreign  jurisdiction  to  enable 
him  to  visit  a  Chapter,  does  not  confer  membership  in  a  depend- 
ent Lodge,  nor  does  it  affiliate  him  with  the  Chapter.  Pro. 
1877,  p.  17. 

6.  The  order  of  the  degrees  cannot  be  changed  without  an 
amendment  of  the  Constitution.    Pro.  1877,  p.  90. 

7.  It  is  not  competent  to  confer  the  degrees  upon  clergy- 
men without  fee.  Compare  Pro.  1826.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  98, 
with  Pro.  1847.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  215.    See  paragraph  15. 


34  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

8.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  claims  no  jurisdiction  over 
the  degree  of  Past  Master  conferred  upon  a  Master-elect  of  a 
symbolic  Lodge  as  a  part  of  the  installation  ceremony.  Pro. 
1853.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  328. 

9.  It  is  not  competent  for  a  Chapter  to  confer  the  degree  of 
Past  Master  upon  a  Master-elect  of  a  symbolic  Lodge  who  has 
not  received  the  degree  of  Mark  Master.    Pro.  1874,  pp.  26,  60. 

10.  A  Chapter  can  recognize  no  other  Past  Master's  degree 
than  the  one  conferred  by  it,  and  no  other  person  is  eligible  to 
receive  it  except  he  be  a  Mark  Master.    Pro.  1874,  pp.  26,  60. 

11.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  has  no  jurisdiction  over 
the  degrees  of  Royal  and  Select  Master,  and  it  is  inexpedient 
for  the  General  Grand  Chapter  to  take  any  action  concerning 
them.    Pro.  1880,  p.  71. 

12.  The  ceremonies  of  the  Past  Master's  degree  should  be 
confined  within  the  narrowest  constitutional  limits,  only  retain- 
ing the  obligation,  the  induction  into  the  oriental  chair,  and  the 
communication  of  the  means  of  recognition.  Pro.  1856.  Re- 
print of  Pro.,  p.  393.     Pro.  1889,  p.  82. 

13.  Sec.  43  of  the  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chap- 
ter providing  that  "no  Chapter  under  this  jurisdiction  shall 
confer  "the  degrees  on  any  candidate  previously  rejected  by 
any  other  "Chapter  without  the  consent  of  such  rejecting 
Chapter,  provided  "such  Chapter  be  in  existence,"  does  not 
apply  to  Subordinate  Chapters  working  under  a  State  Grand 
Chapter,  unless  the  latter  should  make  it  effective  by  legisla- 
tion.   Pro.  1894,  p.  53. 

14.  In  the  matter  of  a  Brother  residing  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  one  of  our  Subordinate  Chapters,  who.  upon  a  visit  to 
Scotland,  his  native  land,  was  there  exalted  to  the  degree  of  a 
Royal  Arch  Mason,  it  is  the  opinion  of  your  Committee  that 
whilst  the  Chapter  of  his  residence  may  complete  his  qualifica- 
tions as  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  by  conferring  upon  him  such 
intermediate  degrees  as  are  not  conferred  in  a  foreign  land,  yet 
that  the  practice  of  a  Brother  leaving  the  place  of  his  residence 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  35 

and  obtaining  exaltation  abroad  is  one  which  deserves  the 
strongest  disfavor,  and  that  the  Royal  Arch  Mason  thus  made 
ought  (unless  satisfactory  reasons  to  the  contrary  appear)  to 
be  denied  the  privilege  of  visitation.    Pro.  1894,  p.  128. 

15.  Where  the  Constitution  of  a  Grand  Chapter  expressly 
authorizes  the  conferring  of  degrees  on  ministers  of  God,  with- 
out charge,  it  can  be  done  lawfully.    Pro.  1897,  pp.  41,  173. 

16.  In  the  case  of  a  Mark,  constructed  in  part  of  "initials 
per  a  certain  Key,"  inscribed  correctly  as  to  instructions,  but 
incorrectly  as  to  intention,  through  erroneous  explanation  of 
the  Key  by  the  High  Priest. 

Held  that  the  intention  should  prevail,  and  the  inscription 
be  made  to  comply  therewith.    Pro.  1897,  pp.  42,  173. 

17.  Chapters  should  not  confer  degrees  on  the  Sabbath 
day,  usually  known  as  Sunday.    Pro.  1900,  pp.  38,  111. 

18.  The  Mark  Master's  degree  and  the  Most  Excellent 
Master's  degree  may  be.  in  part,  conferred  on  more  than  one 
candidate  at  the  same  time.    Pro.  1900,  pp.  38,  111. 

19.  Petitions  for  degrees  must  be  made  to  a  Chapter — 
must  be  presented  and  received  at  a  regular  meeting  only,  and 
the  meetings  which  are  distinguished  as  regular  must  be  speci- 
fied in  the  By-laws.     Pro.  1900,  pp.  38,  111. 

20.  When  a  candidate  is  elected  to  the  Mark  Master's 
degree,  the  Lodge  should  be  regularly  opened  before  the 
degree  is  conferred.    Pro.  1903,  pp.  42,  122. 

21.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  Porto  Rico  is  a  sovereign  body 
with  complete  control  over  the  Lodges  of  its  obedience ;  that 
the  Master  Masons  made  in  its  Lodges  are  entitled  to  full  and 
complete  recognition  everywhere,  and  as  such  are  eligible  to 
receive  the  degrees  conferred  in  Royal  Arch  Chapters.  Pro. 
1906,  p.  123. 

22.  A  Brother  who  has  not  received  the  Most  Excellent 
Master's  degree  is  not  eligible  to  be  exalted  to  the  Royal  Arch 
degree,  but  where  that  is  done  by  mistake  such  Brother  may  be 


36  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

healed  by  having  conferred  upon  him  at  the  first  opportunity 
the  Most  Excellent  Master's  degree.  The  Masonic  standing  of 
Brethren  who  are  otherwise  eligible  to  receive  the  Royal  Arch 
degree  and  who  do  receive  it  is  not  affected  by  the  ineligibility 
of  a  third  brother  who  received  such  degree  at  the  same  time. 
Pro.  1912,  p.  44. 

23.  After  one  or  more  of  the  degrees  of  the  Chapter  have 
been  conferred  upon  a  Brother  who  has  been  duly  elected  to 
receive  all  the  degrees,  a  mere  objection  does  not  operate  to 
prevent  his  advancement,  but  he  is  entitled  to  receive  the 
remaining  degrees,  unless  upon  due  trial  he  is  convicted  of  a 
Masonic  offense  and  is  thereby  deprived  of  such  right.  Pro. 
1912,  p.  44. 

24.  The  exaltation  of  a  candidate  takes  place  when  he  has 
received  the  G.  O.  R.  A.  word  and  been  armed  and  crowned. 
Pro.  1913,  p.  37. 

25.  In  the  case  of  one  who  has  taken  the  Mark  Master 
degree  in  a  Scotch  Lodge,  the  chapter  would  be  authorized  to 
simply  obligate  the  petitioner  for  the  Mark  Master  degree,  if 
certain  he  was  proficient  in  the  work  of  the  degree,  which  would 
heal  him  as  a  Mark  Master.  Then  proceed  to  confer  the  other 
degrees  of  the  chapter  upon  him  in  the  regular  way,  charging 
him  the  full  amount  of  the  fees  charged  in  the  chapter,  which 
must  not  be  less  than  $20  for  all  of  the  degrees.  Pro.  1915, 
p.  37. 

See  Fees,  2;  Meetings,  7;  Quorum,  1,  3,  5;  Royal  and 
Select  Master,  1-5  ;  Side  Degrees;  Work,  2. 

Dimit. 

1.  Before  a  charter  is  issued  to  any  Chapter  in  this  juris- 
diction, each  Companion  thereof  shall  present  a  dimit  from  the 
Chapter  of  which  he  was  previously  a  member.  Pro.  1883, 
p.  91. 

2.  A  Companion  may  withdraw  from  the  membership  of 
his  Chapter  on  giving  personal  or  written  notice  of  such  desire 
and  intention  at  a  stated  Convocation  provided  no  charges  are 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  37 

pending-  against  him  and  his  indebtedness  to  the  Chapter  is 
fully  discharged.    Pro.  1886,  p.  126. 

3.  A  member  of  a  Chapter  having  dimitted  from  his  Lodge, 
"what  must  be  done?" 

Held  that  "In  the  absence  of  a  By-law  of  the  Chapter 
requiring  that  its  members  shall  be  Lodge  affiliates,  action  on 
the  part  of  the  High  Priest,  to  exclude,  would  not  be  proper." 
Pro.  1897,  pp.  40,  173. 

4.  A  Chapter  cannot  charge  a  fee  for  a  dimit.  Pro.  1897, 
pp.  42,  173. 

5.  No  officer  who  has  been  duly  elected  and  installed  can 
dimit  during  his  term,  nor  until  his  successor  is  duly  elected 
and  installed.    Pro.  1897,  pp.  42,  173. 

6.  Dimitted  Royal  Arch  Masons  who  become  demented 
before  petitioning  for  affiliation  in  other  Chapters  are  disquali- 
fied during  the  time  of  dementia.     Pro.  1912,  p.  43. 

See  Charters,  &c,  5. 

Diplomas. 

1.  All  Diplomas  or  Certificates  of  same  should  bear  the 
certificate  of  the  General  Grand  Secretary  that  the  Chapter  is 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter.  Pro. 
1897,  pp.  42,  173. 

2.  In  the  case  of  loss  of  a  Diploma  a  certificate  that  the 
Diploma  had  been  issued  and  lost  should  be  given — not  a 
duplicate  Diploma.    Pro.  1897,  pp.  42,  173. 

3.  The  issues  of  Certificates  or  Diplomas  to  Chapters  in 
foreign  parts,  in  blank  under  the  seal  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter  should  be  discontinued.    Pro.  1909,  p.  130. 

Discipline. 

1.  A  General  Grand  Secretary  was  expelled  by  resolution 
of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  made  to  take  effect  "unless  he 
pay  over  moneys  in  his  hands  belonging  to  the  General  Grand 
Chapter,"  and  it  was  ordered  that  such  expulsion  should  be 


38  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

announced  by  public  notice.     Pro.   1835.     Reprint  "l~  Pro.,  p. 

132.    Pro.  1838.  pp.  143,  145. 

2.  Expulsion  from  a  Lodge  excludes  from  all  Masonic 
communication.  Pro.  1838.  Pro.  1850.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  pp. 
151,  269. 

3.  Expulsion  by  a  Lodge  deprives  the  expelled  member  of 
every  Masonic  right,  not  only  in  Lodge  but  in  Chapter.  After 
expulsion,  for  good  cause  the  Lodge  may  restore  him  to  his 
Masonic  rights,  and  such  restoration  will  make  him  a  Master 
Mason  in  good  standing,  and  thereby  restore  him  to  his  rights 
as  a  Royal  Arch  Mason,  except  membership  in  his  Chapter. 
Pro.  1874,  pp.  26,  60.      • 

4.  When  the  action  of  a  Lodge  in  case  of  discipline  is 
reversed  or  annulled  for  any  reason  by  competent  authority, 
the  party  regains  the  status  that  he  had  at  the  commencement 
of  the  proceedings.    Pro.  1874,  pp.  26,  60. 

5.  A  Chapter  must  give  to  discipline  by  a  Lodge  the  same 
effect  that  it  has  under  the  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  a 
Chapter  has  no  right  to  inquire  into  the  regularity  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Lodge ;  they  must  be  taken  as  valid  until 
reversed  by  competent  authority.  Chapters  cannot  fix  the 
standing  of  Master  Masons,  but  take  them  as  made  by  the 
Lodge  and  their  standing  as  fixed  by  Lodges.  Pro.  1874,  pp. 
25,  60.    Pro.  1883,  p.  23. 

Dispensation. 

A  Grand  High  Priest  cannot  annul  the  ordinary  force  of  a 
law  of  the  Grand  Chapter  unless  the  power  to  do  so  is 
expressly  conferred  upon  him  by  the  Grand  Chapter.  Pro. 
1883,  p.  91. 

See  Chapters,  1;  Chapters,  U.\D.\,  Charters,  &c,  6,  8; 
G.\  G.\  Chapter,  18. 

Dues. 

1.  A  Chapter  may  compensate  its  Secretary  for  his  ser- 
vices by  an  appropriation  of  its  funds,  but  it  cannot  exempt 
him  from  the  payment  of  dues  on  that  account.  Pro.  1886, 
p.  126. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  39 

2.  A  Chapter  may  suspend  the  membership  of  a  Com- 
panion for  the  non-payment  of  dues,  but  only  after  due  notice 
to  him  of  such  contemplated  action  and  the  vote  of  the  Chapter 
at  a  stated  Convocation.    Pro.  1886,  p.  126. 

3.  The  dues  of  a  member  of  a  Chapter  accrue  from  the  date 
of  his  exaltation  or  affiliation.     Pro.  1886,  p.  126. 

4.  "Is  it  lawful  and  Constitutional  to  exempt  ministers  of 
God  from  the  payment  of  annual  dues,  under  a  by-law  of  a 
Subordinate  Chapter,  approved  by  such  Grand  Chapter?" 

Held  that  it  is  lawful,  and  being  lawful,  the  part  of  the 
query  as  to  Constitutionality  cannot  apply  if  the  Constitution 
be  silent  on  the  subject. 

The  decision  "Degrees,  part  7,"  Digest  of  the'G:.  G.\  Chap- 
ter, only  applies  directly  to  the  immediate  subordinates  of  the 
General  Grand  Chapter.     Pro.  1897,  pp.  41,  173. 

See  Chapters,  U.  D.  13 ;  Suspension. 

Educational  Institutions. 

It  is  not  deemed  appropriate  for  the  General  Grand  Chapter 
to  give  aid  toward  the  establishment  of  educational  institu- 
tions ;  it  approves  of  education  and  of  all  proper  means  de- 
signed for  its  promotion,  but  the  creation  of  institutions  for 
such  purpose,  their  regulation  and  support  are  matters  beyond 
the  purposes  and  without  the  power  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter.  It  has  no  funds  or  means  to  obtain  them  which 
could  be  applied  to  such  purposes.  Pro.  1838.  Reprint  of 
Pro.,  p.  140.    Pro.  1874,  p.  63. 

Expulsion. 
See  Discipline,  2,  3 ;  Restoration. 

Fees  and  Dues. 

1.  Fees  and  dues  to  the  General  Grand  Chapter  are  pay- 
able in  United  States  currency.     Pro.  1897,  pp.  42,  173. 

2.  Twentv  dollars  is  the  minimum  amount  fixed  bv  the 


40  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  for  the  Capitular 
degrees.  The  compact  between  the  Grand  and  Subordinate 
Chapters  and  General  Grand  Chapter  when  formed  provides 
that  there  shall  be  no  conflict  in  their  Constitutions.  Hence 
no  Grand  or  Subordinate  Chapter  can  adopt  a  By-law  reducing 
the  fee  below  twenty  dollars.  Pro.  1903,  p.  42  (see  Report  of 
Committee  on  Jurisprudence,  Pro.,  p.  122.  Compare  same  with 
Section  21  of  Constitution). 

3.  If  any  part  of  the  fee  has  been  paid  of  the  applicant  who 
has  been  rejected,  the  fee  should  be  returned  to  him,  and  if 
it  has  been  paid  over  to  the  treasurer,  the  chapter  should  order 
a  warrant  drawn  for  the  amount  repaid.  The  chapter  has  not 
given  value  received  for  the  money  and  has  no  right  to  retain  it. 

See  Degrees,  7;  Dues,  1. 

Funerals. 

1.  A  Chapter  has  a  right  to  appear  at  a  funeral  conducted 
by  a  Lodge  of  Master  Masons  when  so  invited,  taking  such 
position  in  the  procession  as  may  be  assigned  by  the  Lodge 
having  charge.    Pro.  1877,  p.  89. 

General  Grand  Chapter. 

1.  The  prevention  of  its  meeting  in  1812  by  war  did  not 
destroy  existence  of  General  Grand  Chapter.  Pro.  1816. 
Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  41.     Pro.  1865,  p.  4. 

2.  A  Grand  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  cannot  be 
legally  formed  in  a  State  or  Territory  of  the  United  States  of 
America  without  the  consent  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter. 
Pro.  1826.     Reprint  of  Pro.,  pp.  84,  5,  6  and  7. 

3.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  will  not  recognize  the 
legality  of  a  Grand  Chapter  formed  by  Chapters  not  legally 
created.  Pro.  1844.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  190.  Pro.  1847.  Re- 
print of  Pro.,  p.  233 ;  Cons.,  Sec.  23. 

4.  The  Grand  Chapter  of  South  Carolina  could  not  legally 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  41 

establish  a  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  at  St.  Augustine, 
Florida.    Pro.  1844.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  191. 

5.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  cannot  receive  any  docu- 
ment purporting  to  be  a  complaint  against  a  Grand  Chapter. 
Pro.  1856.    Reprint  of  Pro,  p.  378. 

6.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  cannot  proceed  with  busi- 
ness till  after  the  Committee  on  Credentials  has  reported,  or 
has  in  some  way  determined  who  are  members  thereof  entitled 
to  vote.    Pro.  1859,  p.  9. 

7.  That  the  authority  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  of 
right  obtains,  and  is  in  force  in  such  portions  of  the  United 
States  as  are  not  provided  with  a  legal  Grand  Chapter,  has 
been  asserted  and  assumed  from  A.  D.,  1798.    Pro.  1868,  p.  36. 

8.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  was  convened  at  Columbus, 
Ohio,  September  7,  1865,  by  direction  of  Albert  G.  Mackey, 
General  Grand  High  Priest,  six  years  after  its  last  triennial 
meeting  at  Chicago,  during  which  period  the  war  of  the  rebel- 
lion had  been  waged  and  peace  restored  to  the  country,  said 
meeting  being  called  by  notice  communicated  to  its  con- 
stituents by  publication.  Pro.  1865,  p.  4,  and  see  Pro.  1816. 
Reprint  of  Pro,  p.  41. 

9.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  has  never  ceased  to  exist 
since  its  organization.     Pro.  1871,  p.  37. 

10.  It  has  authority  to  determine  all  questions  in  regard 
to  the  work.     Pro.   1871,  p.  37. 

11.  Officers  of  Grand  and  Subordinate  Chapters  at  their 
installation  and  candidates  are  required  to  bind  themselves  to 
support  the  Constitution,  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter.  Pro. 
1871,  p.  37. 

12.  The  jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  over  a 
territory  of  the  United  States  of  America  in  which  no  Grand 
Chapter  has  been  formed  is  exclusive.    Pro.  1877,  pp.  19,  89. 

13.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  having  declared  the  char- 


42  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

ter  of  a  Subordinate  Chapter  forfeited,  it  would  be  error  in 
its  officers  to  recognize  its  legal  existence  thereafter,  although 
facts  came  to  their  knowledge  which  led  them  to  believe  that 
the  General  Grand  Chapter  had  acted  under  a  mistaken  impres- 
sion as  to  the  real  facts  controlling  its  action.  The  remedy 
should  be  sought  in  memorializing  the  General  Grand  Chapter 
or  in  obtaining  a  new  dispensation  or  charter.    Pro.  1889,  p.  80. 

14.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  has  no  jurisdiction  in  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania.    Pro.  1856.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  390. 

15.  Indian  Territory  is  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Gen- 
eral Grand  Chapter,  and  State  Grand  Chapters  have  no  juris- 
diction therein.     Pro.  1886,  pp.  42,  120. 

16.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  declares  its  intention  to 
adhere  to  its  former  habit  of  non-intervention  in  foreign  States 
and  their  institutions.  It  will  not  authorize  the  organization 
of  Chapters  there,  nor  intervene  in  their  management  or  con- 
trol.   Pro.  1886,  p.  96. 

17.  The  original  compact  between  every  Grand  Chapter 
and  the  General  Grand  Chapter  was  made  at  the  request  of  one 
with  the  assent  of  the  other ;  being  mutual  it  can  only  be 
severed  by  mutual  consent.  There  is  no  reserved  right  of 
withdrawal.     Pro.  1859,  p.  35.     Pro.  1868,  p.  28. 

18.  Under  the  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter 
the  By-law  of  a  State  Grand  Chapter,  within  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  which  gave  to  the  Deputy  Grand 
High  Priest  power  to  grant  dispensations  for  the  formation  of 
Chapters,  notwithstanding  the  Grand  High  Priest  was  within 
the  State  and  able  to  discharge  such  duty,  is  in  conflict  with 
the  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  and  necessarily 
void.    Pro.  1886,  pp.  121,  122. 

19.  The  powers  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  are  derived 
from  the  respective  Grand  Chapters.  Pro.  1856.  Reprint  of 
Pro.,  p.  388. 

20.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  cannot  adopt  a  resolution 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  43 

binding-  at  its  next  Convocation  without  incorporating  it  into 
the  Constitution.     Pro.  1877,  pp.  89,  90. 

21.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  possesses  no  power  to 
provide  funds  for  the  payment  of  the  debts  of  Royal  Arch 
Masons.     Pro.  1900,  pp.  38,  111. 

22.  That  Masonic  charity  is  customarily  dispensed  by 
Masons  residing  in  the  vicinity  of  the  recipients,  and  is  made 
the  subject  of  control  by  Grand  bodies  only  when  conditions 
appear  to  require  permanent  provision,  when  the  provision 
usually  takes  the  form  of  a  Masonic  Home.  Pro.  1900,  pp. 
38,  111. 

23.  The  latest  adopted  law  suspends  all  laws  and  decisions 
inconsistent  with  it.     Pro.  1900,  p.  121. 

See  Appeal,  2,  3;  Chapters  under  Dispensation,  8,  11,  12, 
13;  Charters,  &c,  4;  Degrees,  8,  11;  Educational  Institu- 
tion; Grand  Chapters,  1,  4,  5,  8;  High  Priesthood,  1; 
Installation;  Meetings,  1,  2,  3;  Officers,  5;  Royal  and 
Select  Masters,  2,  3,  4;  Votes,  1,  2;  Work,  1. 

General  Grand  High  Priest. 

1.  He  has  no  power  to  change  the  place  of  the  Convocation 
of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  fixed  by  the  General  Grand 
Chapter,  and  no  power  to  change  the  time  of  the  Convocation, 
unless  there  shall  be  danger  of  life  or  health  in  holding  the 
convocation  at  the  appointed  time.    Pro.  1874,  pp.  27,  60. 

2.  The  General  Grand  High  Priest  has  no  power  to  grant 
to  a  Chapter,  immediately  subordinate  to  the  General  Grand 
Chapter,  a  dispensation  authorizing  the  reconsideration  of  a 
ballot  upon  the  petition  of  a  candidate.     Pro.  1891,  p.  43. 

3.  No  provision  of  the  Constitution  authorizes  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest  for  China.  Pro.  1894, 
p.  53. 

See  Appeal,  3;  Chapters  under  Dispensation,  1-6. 


44  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

Grand  Chapters. 

1.  Three  Subordinate  Chapters  (one  of  them  under  dis- 
pensation) unite  and,  without  authority  therefor  from  the 
General  Grand  Chapter,  form  a  Grand  Chapter;  their  work 
held  to  be  illegal.     Pro.  1844.     Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  193. 

2.  When  the  Subordinate  Chapters  under  a  Grand  Chap- 
ter, except  one,  cease  to  exist,  the  powers  of  the  Grand  Chapter 
are  lost  and  its  existence  terminates.  Pro.  1844.  Reprint  of 
Pro.,  p.  194. 

3.  As  to  what  circumstances  may  terminate  the  existence 
of  a  Grand  Chapter.    See  Pro.  1844.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  195. 

4.  All  Grand  Chapters  which  failed  to  meet  in  conse- 
quence of  the  war,  declared  to  be  in  good  standing  in  General 
Grand  Chapter,  and  entitled  to  continue  their  relation  with  it. 
Pro.  1865,  p.  27. 

5.  When  a  convention  of  delegates  from  Chapters,  as- 
sembled to  form  a  Grand  Chapter,  adopts  a  Constitution  and 
By-laws,  elects  Grand  Officers,  and  the  Grand  Chapter  is  con- 
stituted, the  convention  is  functus  officio,  its  powers  passing  to 
the  Grand  Chapter  thus  organized  under  the  limitations  of  the 
Constitution.    Pro.  1877,  pp.  18,  89. 

6.  A  Grand  Chapter  has  the  right  to  limit  the  qualifications 
of  candidates  for  the  office  of  High  Priest.     Pro.  1883,  p.  91. 

7.  There  is  no  authority  for  Chapters  in  two  States  or 
Territories  to  unite  and  form  a  Grand  Chapter.  Pro.  1874,  pp. 
15,  60. 

8.  The  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  does 
not  require  Grand  Chapters  to  admit  Past  High  Priests  to 
membership  therein,  but  permits  it  under  constitutional  enact- 
ment.    Pro.  1883,  pp.  69,  90. 

9.  The  Grand  Chapter  of  the  Indian  Territory  has  full  and 
perfect  jurisdiction,  as  a  Grand  Chapter,  within  the  territorial 
limits  assigned  to  it  at  the  time  of  its  organization — that  is  to 
say,  within  the  whole  of  the  Indian  Territory,  as  it  existed  at 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  45 

the  time  when  the  Grand  Chapter  was  created ;  and  the  Act  of 
Congress,  by  which  the  Indian  Territory  was  divided  and  the 
Territory  of  Oklahoma  formed,  did  not  divide  and  could  not 
divide  the  Masonic  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Chapter  of  the 
Indian  Territory.     Pro.  1891,  p.  41. 

10.  A  Grand  Chapter  is,  and  of  right  should  be  the  final 
arbiter  of  all  questions  arising  within  its  jurisdiction  (except- 
ing such  questions  as  may  be  taken  to  the  General  Grand 
Chapter),  and  subject  only  to  the  restrictions  of  the  Constitu- 
tion of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  and  the  force  of  the  Ancient 
Landmarks,  it  has  the  power  to  make  and  unmake  all  the  law 
for  the  government  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry  within  its  terri- 
tory.   Pro.  1891,  p.  41. 

11.  A  ruling  made  under  the  law  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter  (see  pp.  321,  328,  Reprint,  and  p.  91,  Pro.  1883),  that  a 
Grand  High  Priest  cannot  dispense  with  a  law  of  his  Grand 
Chapter  in  the  absence  of  Constitutional  authority  so  to  do, 
giving  rise  to  adverse  criticism  by  eminent  Companions,  an 
opinion  was  solicited  by  the  Grand  High  Priest  on  the  matter, 
to  which  I  responded  as  follows : 

"It  is  true,  as  suggested  by  the  several  distinguished  Com- 
panions of  your  Grand  Chapter,  that  the  legislation  of  the  Gen- 
eral Grand  Chapter  is  advisory  to  State  Grand  Chapters,  and 
not  mandatory  on  them,  and  that  a  State  Grand  Chapter  'sub- 
ject only  to  the  restrictions  of  the  Constitution  of  the  General 
Grand  Chapter,  and  the  binding  force  of  the  Ancient  Land- 
marks,' has  the  power  to  make  and  unmake  all  the  laws  for 
the  government  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry  within  its  territory 
(vide  decision  of  the,  then,  General  Grand  High  Priest,  Com- 
panion David  F.  Day,  p.  42,  Pro.  G.\  G.\  Chapter,  1891,  and 
approved  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  p.  135,  Pro.  1891), 
but  high  regard  is  certainly  due  to  the  assembled  wisdom  of 

the  Royal  Craft  in  its  National  Body,  even  if  its  declarations 
are  not  enforced  by  disciplinary  power,  and  a  Grand  High 
Priest,  who  has  solemnly  promised  to  maintain  and  support 
the  Constitution  and  Regulations  of  the  General  Grand  Chap- 


46  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

ter,  and,  inferentially,  its  expositions  of  Capitular  law,  would 
find  it  impracticable  to  justify  his  disobedience  of  them. 

"It  is  obvious,  of  course,  that  your  Grand  Chapter,  by  Con- 
stitutional provision,  can  clothe  its  Grand  High  Priest  with 
authority  to  grant  Dispensations  in  his  discretion,  or  extend 
the  limit,  specifically,  but  under  the  conditions  which  con- 
fronted you  there  was,  in  my  judgment,  no  other  proper  course 
than  that  which  you  pursued."     Pro.  1897,  pp.  42,  173. 

12.  Until  the  General  Grand  Chapter  grants  a  charter  or 
dispensation  for  a  Chapter  in  Alaska,  the  same  is  to  be  re- 
garded as  unoccupied  territory,  and  until  such  charter  or  dis- 
pensation is  granted,  any  State  Grand  Chapter  is  authorized  to 
exercise  jurisdiction  over  Master  Masons  residing  in  said  terri- 
tory applying  for  the  Royal  Arch  and  preparatory  degrees. 
Pro.  1903,  p.  122. 

13.  When  a  Grand  Chapter  has  been  formed  it  has  exclu- 
sive jurisdiction  over  all  the  Chapters  within  the  State  where 
it  is  created  and  it  becomes  the  duty  of  such  Chapters  to 
submit  to  and  obey  such  Grand  Chapter,  or  the  Grand  High 
Priest  in  all  respects  their  lawful  authority  as  provided  by 
their  Constitution  and  Laws.     Pro.  1909,  p.  128. 

14.  It  is  plainly  the  intendment  of  the  Constitution  that 
the  jurisdiction  of  a  Grand  Chapter  shall  be  restricted  to  the 
State  in  which  it  exists,  and  a  Chapter  created  by  it  outside  of 
such  State  would,  therefore,  be  unlawful  and  the  dispensation 
void.    Pro.  1909,  p.  129. 

See  Appeal,  1,  2;  Chapters,  U.  D.,  12;  Charters,  &c,  2,  3; 
Dispensation;  General  Grand  Chapter,  3,  4,  5,  11,  12,  13.  17; 
Officers,  5 ;  Past  High  Priests. 

Grand  High  Priests. 
The  General  Grand  Chapter  Constitution  does  not  provide 
that  a  Grand  High  Priest  must  be  a  Past  High  Priest,  but 

leaves  it  to  Grand  Chapters  to  fix  the  qualifications  of  their 
officers.    Pro.  1874,  p.  27 ;  Cons.,  Sec.  24. 
See  Dispensation;  Officers,  5. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  47 

Great  Lights. 
The   three  great  lights  in   Freemasonry  are  the  only   re- 
quisites needed  for  display  on  the  Altar  during  Convocations 
held  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Capitular  Rite.     Pro.  1906, 
pp.  34,  120. 

Healed. 

1.  A  Brother  who  has  not  received  the  Most  Excellent 
Master's  degree  is  not  eligible  to  be  exalted  to  the  Royal  Arch 
degree,  but  where  that  is  done  by  mistake  such  Brother  may 
be  healed  by  having  conferred  upon  him  at  the  first  oppor- 
tunity the  Most  Excellent  Master's  degree.  The  Masonic 
standing  of  brethren  who  are  otherwise  eligible  to  receive  the 
Royal  Arch  degree  and  who  do  receive  it  is  not  affected  by 
the  ineligibility  of  a  third  Brother  who  received  such  degree 
at  the  same  time.     Pro.  1912,  p.  44. 

High  Priests. 

1.  A  Subordinate  Chapter  has  not  power  to  entertain 
charges  against  its  High  Priest,  or  to  try  him  on  charges 
preferred,  expel  him  from  membership,  or  remove  him  from 
office  ;  such  a  proceeding  is  unprecedented  and  uhmasonic.  Pro. 
1844.     Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  196. 

2.  A  High  Priest  holds  his  office  until  his  successor  is 
elected  and  installed.     Pro.  1889,  p.  80. 

3.  No  general  Capitular  law  requires  the  High  Priest  of  a 
Chapter  to  have  served  as  King  or  Scribe.  Grand  Chapters, 
however,  have  the  right  to  limit  the  qualifications.  (See 
Digest,  Grand  Chapters,  6.)     Pro.  1894,  p.  54. 

See  Committees,  1;  Grand  Chapter,  6;  Minutes,  2;  Sub- 
stitutes, 2. 

High  Priesthood. 

1.  It  is  not  competent  for  the  General  Grand  Chapter  to 
define  the  duties  or  powers  of  a  Council  of  High  Priests. 
Pro.  1853.     Reprint  of  Pro.,  pp.  318,  327. 


48  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

2.  It  is  not  necessary  to  receive  the  Order  of  High  Priest- 
hood to  discharge  the  duties  and  powers  of  a  presiding  officer 
of  a  Chapter.    Pro.  1853.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  pp.  318,  328. 

"Holy  Royal  Arch." 

1.  The  use  of  the  word  "Holy"  as  a  prefix  to  the  words 
"Royal  Arch"  is  inadmissible.     Pro.   1886,  p.    126. 

Installation. 

1.  The  officers  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  may  be 
installed  in  public.    Pro.  1850.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  269. 

2.  The  Installation  of  a  King-elect  performed  without  the 
body  of  the  Chapter  is  null  and  void.    Pro.  1897,  pp.  26,  173. 

3.  To  doubt  expressed  as  to  the  legality  of  the  Installation 
of  Officers  named  in  the  charter  and  not  elected  after  the 
charter  is  received.  See  9,  Charters  and  Dispensations,  Digest 
1891. 

Held  that  this  apparent  requirement,  per  Digest,  grows  out 
of  a  decision  by  Companion  English,  but  not  having  been  con- 
firmed by  the  General  Grand  Chapter  (see  pp.  15,  88,  Pro.  G.\ 
G.\  Chapter,  1877),  did  not,  in  my  opinion,  obtain  the  force  of 
law;  in  addition,  the  Ceremonial  for  Constituting  a  Chapter 
(see  pp.  295,  296  Pro.  G.-.  G.\  Chapter,  1891)  distinctly  provides 
for  the  Installation  of  the  Officers  as  named  in  the  Charter. 
Pro.  1897,  pp.  26,  173. 

4.  Elected  officers  cannot  be  installed  by  proxy.  Pro.  1903, 
p.  122. 

5.  Any  Past  High  Priest,  in  the  presence  of  the  High 
Priest  of  the  chapter,  can  perform  the  ceremony  of  installation 
of  newly  elected  officers.     Pro.  1915,  p.  38. 

Jurisdiction. 

1.  A  candidate  must  apply  for  the  Chapter  degrees  to  the 
Chapter  having  jurisdiction  over  the  territory  where  his  legal 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  49 

residence — the  place  of  his  citizenship,  his  fixed  place  of  abode 
— is ;  and  without  regard  to  the  location  of  the  Lodge  of  which 
he  is  a  member.    Pro.  1877,  P-  23. 

2.  A  Chapter  has  power  to  waive  jurisdiction  over  its 
material.  It  cannot  confer  that  power  on  its  principal  officers 
or  either  of  them.    Pro.  1886,  p.  126. 

3.  The  jurisdiction  of  a  Chapter  is  determined  by  actual 
distance,  and  there  is  no  law  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter 
permitting  interference  by  the  General  Grand  High  Priest  on 
the  basis  of  convenience  of  travel.     Pro.  1894,  p.  52. 

4.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  has  no  control  over  the 
question  of  jurisdiction  of  Subordinate  Chapters  working 
under  charters  from  State  Grand  Chapters,  which  alone  control 
the  matter  of  jurisdiction.    Pro.  1903,  pp.  42,  122. 

5.  When  a  Grand  Chapter  has  been  formed  it  has  exclusive 
jurisdiction  over  all  the  Chapters  within  the  State  where  it  is 
created  and  it  becomes  the  duty  of  such  Chapters  to  submit  to 
and  obey  such  Grand  Chapter,  or  the  Grand  High  Priest  in  all 
respects  their  lawful  authority  as  provided  by  their  Constitu- 
tion and  Laws.    Pro.  1909,  p.  128. 

6.  It  is  plainly  the  intendment  of  the  Constitution  that  the 
jurisdiction  of  a  Grand  Chapter  shall  be  restricted  to  the  State 
in  which  it  exists,  and  a  Chapter  created  by  it  outside  of  such 
State  would,  therefore,  be  unlawful  and  the  dispensation  void. 
Pro.  1909,  p.  129. 

See  Candidates;  Degrees;  General  Grand  Chapter,  14, 
15;  High  Priests,  1 ;  Royal  and  Select  Master. 


Lecturer. 

1.  Unless  the  by-laws  of  a  subordinate  chapter  provided  for 
a  Lecturer,  the  G.  G.  H.  P.  would  have  no  authority  to  appoint 
one  unless  the  request  should  come  from  the  chapter  itself 
asking  for  the  appointment  of  some  one  whom  he  knew  to  be 
qualified  to  instruct  in  the  ritual.    Pro.  1915,  p.  38. 


50  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

Lodge. 

The  proper  designation  of  the  King  and  Scribe  in  Lodges  of 
Mark  Master,  Past  Master  and  Most' Excellent  Master  Masons 
is  Senior  and  Junior  Grand  Wardens.    Pro.  1889,  p.  27. 

The  committee  were  divided  and  the  General  Grand  Chap- 
ter took  no  action.    Ibid.,  p.  81. 

See  Work,  2. 

Meetings. 

1.  The  Council  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  postponed 
the  triennial  meeting  in  September,  1832,  to  November  28, 
1832,  because  of  the  prevalence  of  cholera.  Pro.  1832.  Reprint 
of  Pro.,  p.  112. 

2.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  designated  the  place  for  its 
next  triennial  meeting  and  authorized  the  General  Grand 
Council  to  fix  the  time  thereof;  the  General  Grand  Council 
agreed  upon  and  announced  a  time  for  the  meeting,  but  there- 
after being  informed  of  difficulties  which  would  embarrass  and 
incommode  the  members  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter 
announced  another  time,  held  that  the  whole  matter  was  con- 
tinuously in  the  power  of  the  General  Grand  Council  and  that 
the  change  of  time  was  authorized.  Pro.  1889,  p.  80;  Cons., 
Sec.  5. 

3.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  has  never  ceased  to  exist ; 
the  meeting  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  in  1865,  was  not  a  special  Con- 
vocation, but  the  regular  triennial  meeting  which  would  have 
been  held  at  Memphis  in  1862,  had  not  the  war  interrupted. 
Pro.  1816.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  41.     Pro.  1871,  pp.  17,  37. 

4.  The  meetings  of  a  Subordinate  Chapter  are  regular  or 
special.  The  former  are  fixed  by  the  By-laws  and  are  held  at 
stated  intervals ;  the  latter  may  be  at  the  pleasure  of  the  High 
Priest.    Pro.  1886,  p.  121. 

5.  No  business  can  be  transacted  at  a  special  meeting, 
except  that  for  which  the  meeting  was  called,  of  which  meeting 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  51 

and    business   the   resident   Companions   should   have   notice. 
Pro.  1886,  p.  121. 

6.  There  cannot  be  a  secret  or  emergency  meeting  held  by 
a  portion  of  the  members  to  the  exclusion  of  another  portion, 
and  the  admission  of  candidates  at  an  emergency  meeting  is 
wrong.  In  electing  candidates  to  receive  degrees  all  the  resi- 
dent members  should  be  notified  ;  none  should  be  kept  in  ignor- 
ance of  names  presented  for  degrees.    Pro.  1886,  p.  121. 

7.  Petitions  for  degrees  and  affiliation  can  only  be  received 
at  a  stated  Convocation  and  cannot  be  acted  upon  by  ballot 
until  a  subsequent  stated  Convocation;  no  emergency  will  jus- 
tify a  different  course.    Pro.  1886,  p.  126. 

8.  Verbal  notice  of  special  meetings  and  business  to  be 
transacted,  given  at  a  Convocation  of  a  Chapter,  is  a  legal  and 
sufficient  notice  to  those  Companions  who  are  present.  Pro. 
1894,  p.  54. 

See  Charges;  General  Grand  Chapter,  1,  8;  General 
Grand  High  Priest,  1 ;  Grand  Chapters,  4;  Quorum. 

Membership. 

1.  Dual  membership  is  illegal.  Pro.  1833,  pp.  21,  22; 
Cons.,  Sec.  39. 

2.  In  case  of  a  member  of  a  Chapter  "deprived  of  all  rights 
and  privileges,  except  the  right  of  petition,"  by  failure  to  peti- 
tion for  affiliation  as  required  by  the  law  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Held  that  a  member  of  a  Chapter  deprived  of  his  rights  and 
privileges,  as  a  Master  Mason  under  a  Grand  Lodge  law,  can- 
not be  continued  as  a  member  in  good  standing,  whilst  such 
disability  exists.    Pro.  1897,  pp.  41,  173. 

See  Affiliation;  Candidates,  1,  2;  Chapters,  U.  D.,  9; 
Degrees,  5 ;  Dimits,  2 ;  Discipline,  3,  5  ;  Dues,  2 ;  High  Priests, 
1 ;  Past  High  Priests;  Restoration;  Suspension. 

Minutes. 

1.     The  records  of  a  Chapter  should  embrace  the  names  and 
official  titles  of  the  officers  present  at  each  Convocation,  and 


52  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

the  names  of  all  members  and  visitors  in  attendance.     Pro. 
1886,  p.  126. 

2.  The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  every  Convocation 
should  be  read  and  approved  before  closing-  the  Chapter  and 
the  full  record  thereof  read  and  adopted  at  the  next  stated  Con- 
vocation and  should  be  signed  by  the  High  Priest  and  Secretary. 
Pro.  1886,  p.  126. 

Objection. 

1.  A  member  not  present  when  a  unanimous  ballot  has 
been  taken,  but,  coming  in  subsequently  and  objecting,  the 
case  must  be  re-committed  and  a  further  unanimous  ballot 
had.    Pro.  1856,  p.  384. 

2.  When  objection  is  made  to  a  candidate  by  a  Companion 
after  ballot  and  the  objection  stated  to  the  Chapter,  the  matter 
should  be  referred  to  a  committee,  and  on  the  report  of  such 
committee,  decided  by  the  Chapter  by  a  majority  vote.  Pro. 
1886,  pp.  46,  120. 

3.  Among  the  by-laws  of  Helena  Chapter,  No.  2,  Montana, 
was  the  following:  "A  candidate  elected  to  this  Chapter  shall 
be  considered  as  elected  to  all  the  degrees ;  but  the  advance- 
ment of  any  candidate  may  be  stopped  by  the  objection  of  any 
member."  It  appeared  that  a  Brother  who  had  received  the 
degree  of  Mark  Master,  in  this  Chapter,  had  had  his  progress 
stopped  by  the  written  objection  of  a  Companion,  as  follows: 
"I  wish  herewith  to  enter  "my  objection  to  his  further  advance- 
ment, now  or  at  any  other  time."  It  also  appeared  that  the 
by-laws  of  Helena  Chapter  did  not  define  the  length  of  time 
during  which  an  objection  of  this  character  would  be  operative. 
The  question  asked  was  how  long  such  objection  would  remain 
effectual. 

Held : — That  it  would  be  competent  for  a  Chapter  to  adopt 
a  by-law  which  would  limit  and  define  the  period  during  which 
such  objection  would  remain  a  bar  to  the  candidate's  further 
advancement ;  but  in  the  absence  of  such  an  express  provision, 
the  question  must  be  answered  according  to  the  analogy  which 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  53 

the  case  presents  to  that  of* the  rejection  of  a  candidate  by  bal- 
lot ;  and  that  as  the  General  Grand  Chapter  had  already  deter- 
mined (see  Pro.  1889,  pp.  80  and  81)  that  six  months  must 
elapse  after  the  rejection  of  a  candidate  before  his  petition  can 
be  again  considered,  such  an  objection  as  had  been  interposed 
in  this  case  had  not  and  ought  not  to  have  any  greater  force 
than  an  unfavorable  ballot ;  and  that  when  the  length  of  time 
thus  prescribed  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter  in  the  case  of  a 
rejected  petition  has  elapsed  after  making  of  the  objection,  the 
Chapter  may  proceed  to  confer  the  degrees  upon  the  Brother — 
subject  to  a  renewal  of  the  objection.    Pro.  1891,  p.  43. 

4.  In  the  matter  of  objections  to  advancement  of  a  candi- 
date, after  election,  being  withdrawn  by  one  objector  and 
adhered  to  by  another  on  the  ground  of  doubt  as  to  permanent 
removal  of  the  cause,  held, 

That  should  the  Companion  still  refuse  to  withdraw  his 
objection,  such  objection  should  be  duly  regarded.  Pro.  1894, 
p.  128. 

5.  An  objection  is  valid  when  made  by  a  Companion  to  the 
advancement  of  a  Brother,  if  it  is  simply  lodged  as  such,  with- 
out any  reason  or  ground  given  therefor.    Pro.  1894,  p.  52. 

6.  All  objections  made  to  one  High  Priest  by  a  Companion 
continue  in  force  as  far  as  his  successor  is  concerned,  until 
withdrawn  or  disposed  of  according  to  law.    Pro.  1894,  p.  52. 

7.  After  one  or  more  of  the  degrees  of  the  Chapter  have 
been  conferred  upon  a  brother  who  has  been  duly  elected  to 
receive  all  the  degrees,  a  mere  objection  does  not  operate  to 
prevent  his  advancement,  but  he  is  entitled  to  receive  the 
remaining  degrees,  unless  upon  due  trial  he  is  convicted  of  a 
Masonic  offense  and  is  thereby  deprived  of  such  right.  Pro. 
1912,  p.  44. 

8.  In  the  absence  of  a  by-law  limiting  the  period  during 
which  an  objection  would  be  effective,  no  ballot  can  be  had 
until  six  months  have  expired,  when,  if  the  objection  has  not 
been  withdrawn,  a  new  ballot  may  be  taken,  which  must  be 
unanimous  if  a  candidate  is  to  receive  the  degrees.  Pro.  1915,. 
p.  38. 


54  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

Officers. 

1.  In  the  event  of  the  death  of  the  General  Grand  High 
Priest,  the  next  officer,  i.  e.,  the  Deputy  General  Grand  High 
Priest  hecomes  an  acting  General  Grand  High  Priest,  but  does 
not  acquire  the  rank  or  title  of  the  presiding  officer.  Pro.  1883, 
pp.  72,91. 

2.  The  duties  of  a  Treasurer  are  defined,  by  immemorial 
usage,  to  be,  to  receive,  safely  keep  and  pay  out  on  order  the 
funds  entrusted  to  his  care,  and  this  notwithstanding  there  is 
no  written  regulation  on  the  subject.  Pro.  1841.  Reprint  of 
Pro,  p.  160. 

3.  The  title  is  Secretary  and  not  Recorder.  Pro.  1853. 
Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  330. 

4.  The  funds  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  must  be  paid 
immediately  to  the  Treasurer ;  he  is  the  only  legitimate  deposi- 
tory of  the  funds  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter.  Pro.  1853. 
Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  327. 

5.  Officers  of  State  Grand  Chapters  possess  no  powers 
except  such  as  are  expressly  conferred  by  constitutional  au- 
thority.   Pro.  1853.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  321. 

6.  An  elected  officer  cannot  be  installed  by  proxy.  Pro. 
1903,  p.  122. 

7.  The  Secretary  elected  and  installed  continues  in  office 
until  his  successor  is  elected  and  installed.    Pro.  1903,  p.  122. 

8.  The  King  of  a  chartered  Chapter  who  permanently 
removes  to  another  jurisdiction  does  not  thereby  create  a 
vacancy,  which  permits  or  requires  the  election  of  a  successor 
during  the  term  for  which  he  was  installed.     Pro.  1912,  p.  43. 

See  Appeal,  1;  Chapters,  2;  Charters,  &c,  1,  8:  Dispen- 
sation; High  Priests,  1,  2;  Lodge;  Rank,  1,  3;  Work,  1. 

Past  High  Priests, 

When  a  Grand  Chapter,  pursuant  to  paragraph  4,  Section 
24  of  the  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  admits 
Past  High  Priests  to  membership,  it  must  and  does  admit  them 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  55 

on  an  equal  footing  with  all  other  members.     Pro.   1886,  pp. 
47,  120. 

See  Chapters,  2;  Grand  Chapters,  8;  Grand  High  Priests. 

Past  Masters. 

See  Degrees,  8,  9,  10,  12. 

Physical  Qualifications. 

See  Candidates,  3,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10. 

Proxy. 

1.  It  was  decided  that  no  compensation  would  be  allowed 
a  member  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  for  attendance  as 
proxy  of  a  General  Grand  Officer.  Pro.  1826.  Reprint  of  Pro., 
p.  91. 

2.  The  provisions  of  paragraphs  4  and  5,  of  Section  2,  of 
the  Constitution,  authorizing  the  appointment  of  proxies,  con- 
stitute a  personal  privilege,  which  must  be  exercised  by  the 
officer  whom  the  proxy  represents.    Pro.  1886,  p.  118. 

3.  The  authority  of  a  proxy  to  act  as  such  must  be  in  writ- 
ing, and  signed  by  the  officer  making  the  appointment.  Pro. 
1886,  p.  118. 

4.  It  is  not  necessary  that  the  authority  of  a  proxy  of  a 
Grand  Officer  should  be  authenticated  by  the  Grand  Secretary 
of  the  Grand  Chapter,  nor  that  the  proxy  of  a  Subordinate 
Chapter  be  authenticated  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Subordinate 
Chapter ;  such  authentication,  though  not  necessary,  is  recom- 
mended wrhen  it  can  be  obtained  conveniently.  Pro.  1886,  p. 
118. 

5.  There  is  no  law  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  which 
authorizes  members  of  a  Chapter  to  vote  on  proxies  given  by 
absent  members.    Pro.  1897,  pp.  25,  173. 

6.  In  the  matter  of  vacancy  in  the  Council  of  Grand  Offi- 
cers of  a  Grand  Chapter  caused  by  death. 

Held  that  it  was  within  the  province  of  the  Grand  High 
Priest  to  appoint  to  said  vacancy  any  affiliated  Royal  Arch 
Mason  of  his  jurisdiction,  to  serve  as  representative  to  the 
General  Grand  Chapter. 


56  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

The  Committee  on  Jurisprudence,  in  their  report,  which 
was  adopted  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  says: 

We  do  not  think  that  this  decision  is  a  correct  exposition  of 
the  rule  which  we  regard  as  applicable  to  such  a  case.  There 
could  be  no  proxy  for  one  dead ;  but,  if  permitted  to  do  so  by 
the  law  of  his  Grand  Chapter,  the  proper  course  would  be  for 
the  Grand  High  Priest  to  fill  the  vacancy  created  by  the  death 
of  an  officer,  it  being  obvious  that  giving  a  proxy  is  a  personal 
privilege  which  can  be  exercised  only  by  the  individual  who 
actually  holds  the  office  for  the  time  being,  and  not  by  another 
— and  in  this  view  we  think  we  are  sustained  by  Section  9  of 
the  Constitution.    Pro.  1897,  pp.  29,  173. 

7.  No  elected  officer  can  be  installed  by  proxy.  Pro.  1903, 
p.  122. 

Quorum. 

1.  For  all  purposes  except  opening  and  closing  a  Chapter 
and  conferring  degrees,  nine  members  of  the  Chapter  are  neces- 
sary to  constitute  a  quorum.    Pro.  1877,  p.  96. 

2.  Nine  Royal  Arch  Masons  are  necessary  to  open  any  of 
the  bodies  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Chap- 
ter, but  five  (amended  in  1883,  p.  61,  to  read  eight)  may  work 
as  a  Lodge  of  Mark  Masters,  seven  as  a  Lodge  of  Past  Masters, 
and  seven  as  a  Lodge  of  Most  Excellent  Masters.  Pro.  1887, 
pp.  96,  98.    Pro.  1883,  p.  61. 

3.  A  ballot  for  degrees  or  membership  cannot  be  taken 
unless  there  are  present  at  least  nine  members  of  the  Chapter 
entitled  to  vote.    Pro.  1877,  pp.  22,  89,  96. 

4.  The  decision  of  English,  G.\  G.\  H.\  P.\,  that  it  is  not 
necessary  for  nine  ballots  to  be  cast  upon  an  application  (Pro. 
1877,  p.  22),  disapproved.    Pro.  1877,  p.  89. 

5.  Nine  members  constitute  a  quorum;  nine  members  must 
be  present  for  all  purposes  except  opening,  closing  and  con- 
ferring degrees.  Pro.  1880,  p.  73.  Pro.  1886,  p.  47,  and  see 
Constitution,  Section  44. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  57 

Rank. 

1.  The  Treasurer  outranks  the  Secretary.  Pro.  1853.  Re- 
print of  Pro.,  p.  332. 

2.  At  Masonic  funerals  the  Lodge  conducting  the  services 
is  the  ranking  body.    Pro.  1877,  p.  27. 

3.  Installation  is  necessary  to  confer  rank.  Pro.  1883,  pp. 
71,91. 

4.  The  officers  in  Capitular  Freemasonry  are  entitled  and 
take  rank  as  follows  : 

In  the  Mark  Master's  Lodge,  a  Master,  whose  title  shall  be 
Right  Worshipful,  and  a  Senior  Warden,  Junior  Warden,  Sec- 
retary, Treasurer,  Senior  Deacon,  Junior  Deacon,  Master 
Overseer,  Senior  Overseer,  Junior  Overseer  and  Tiler,  whose 
titles  shall  be  Brother. 

In  the  Past  Master's  Lodge,  a  Master,  whose  title  shall  be 
Right  Worshipful,  and  a  Senior  Warden,  Junior  Warden,  Sec- 
retary, Treasurer,  Senior  Deacon,  Junior  Deacon  and  Tiler, 
whose  titles  shall  be  Brother. 

In  the  Most  Excellent  Master's  Lodge,  a  Master,  whose  title 
shall  be  Right  Worshipful,  and  a  Senior  Warden,  Secretary, 
Treasurer,  Senior  Deacon,  Junior  Deacon  and  Tiler,  whose 
titles  shall  be  Brother. 

In  the  Chapter,  a  High  Priest,  whose  title  shall  be  Excel- 
lent, a  King,  Scribe,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  Captain  of  the  Host, 
Principal  Sojourner,  Royal  Arch  Captain,  Master  of  3d  Veil, 
Master  of  2d  Veil,  Master  of  1st  Veil,  and  Sentinel,  whose 
titles  shall  be  Companion. 

The  rank  in  the  Royal  Arch  degree  determines  the  rank  in 
the  Lodges ;  the  Captain  of  the  Host  acting  as  Master  of  Cere- 
monies in  the  floor  work. 

In  a  Grand  Chapter,  a  Grand  High  Priest,  whose  title  shall 
be  Most  Excellent,  a  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest,  Grand  King, 
Grand  Scribe,  Grand  Secretary  and  Grand  Treasurer,  whose 


58  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

titles  shall  be  Right  Excellent,  and  a  Grand  Chaplain,  Grand 
Captain  of  the  Host,  Grand  Principal  Sojourner,  Grand  Royal 
Arch  Captain,  Grand  Master  of  the  3d  Veil,  Grand  Master  of 
the  2d  Veil,  Grand  Master  of  the  1st  Veil,  and  Grand  Sentinel, 
whose  titles  shall  be  Excellent. 

The  title  of  all  officers  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  is 
Companion. 

All  Past  Officers  retain  their  titles.     Pro.  1891,  pp.  148,  149. 

5.  The  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  deter- 
mines that  the  Treasurer  ranks  the  Secretary,  and  is  para- 
mount to  the  resolution  of  1891.    Pro.  1894,  pp.  53,  131. 


Residence. 

The  residence  of  the  family  of  a  married  man  is  usually  and 
therefore  prima  facie  his  residence.     Pro.  1886,  pp.  45,  46. 


Restoration. 

1.  Restoration  by  Lodge  does  not  restore  to  membership 
in  Chapter.    Pro.  1874,  pp.  26,  60. 

2.  In  the  case  of  a  Grand  High  Priest  suspended  from  his 
Lodge  for  unmasonic  conduct,  for  the  period  of  one  year,  no 
proceedings  having  been  instituted  in  the  Chapter  of  which 
he  was  a  member,  nor  in  the  Grand  Chapter,  except  to  refer 
the  matter  to  a  committee,  and  having,  upon  the  expiration 
of  his  term  of  suspension,  resumed  fraternal  relations  with 
Lodge,  Chapter,  Commandery,  etc. 

Held  that  the  expiration  of  the  period  of  suspension  re- 
stored him  to  all  rights  of  which  he  had  been  deprived,  and 
that  he  was  a  Past  Grand  High  Priest  within  the  meaning  of 
the  Constitution.     Pro.  1900,  pp.  39,  111. 

See  Discipline,  3. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  59 

Reversal. 

1.  The  effect  of  the  reversal  in  Grand  Lodge  of  the  decis- 
ion or  judgment  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge  is  to  annul  the  same 
and  leave  the  parties  affected  thereby  to  stand  as  they  did  be- 
fore such  judgment  was  rendered;  the  ultimate  or  final  judg- 
ment alone  prevails.    Pro.  1874,  pp.  26,  60. 

See  Discipline,  4,  5. 

Ritual. 

1.  The  use  of  substitutes  is  not  a  violation  of  the  ritual  or 
of  the  installation  charges  delivered  to  a  High  Priest,  but  they 
should  be  used  only  to  complete  a  class  when  necessary.  Pro. 
1871,  p.  36.    Pro.  1874,  p.  61.    Pro.  1886,  pp.  42,  46. 

2.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  has  authority  to  determine 
all  questions  in  relation  to  the  work.     Pro.  1871,  p.  37. 

3.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  first  four  officers  to  perfect  them- 
selves in  the  work  of  the  degrees,  and  to  prescribe  the  mode 
of  work  for  the  Subordinate  Chapters.  Pro.  1826.  Reprint  of 
Pro.,  p.  81. 

4.  Dependent  Lodges  cannot  be  declared  opened  or  closed. 
Chapters  are  not  called  from  labor  to  refreshments  until  tne 
next  regular  Convocation,  nor  do  they  call  to  refreshment  for 
the  purpose  of  changing  from  one  degree  to  another;  they 
dispense  with  and  resume  labor.     Pro.  1877.  p.  93. 

5.  Dependent  Lodges  should  not  be  opened,  at  stated  Con- 
vocations, until  the  Chapter  is  first  opened  and  dispensed  with ; 
after  the  work  of  the  dependent  Lodges  is  accomplished,  they 
should  be  closed  and  the  Chapter  resume  labor  and  be  closed 
in  form.     Pro.  1894,  p.  128. 

6.  Latitude  is  given  the  Grand  Chapters  interested  to  fol- 
low the  work  of  their  several  Grand  Lodges,  where  there  is  a 
difference  existing  between  the  Lodge  and  Chapter  work  in  the 
same  jurisdiction.     Pro.  1912,  p.  120. 

(Report  on  Mississippi  Memorial.) 

Rank,  4. 


60  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

Royal  Arch  Degree. 

The  use  of  substitutes  is  not  a  violation  of  the  ritual  or  of 
the  installation  charges  delivered  to  a  High  Priest;  they  should 
be  used  only  to  complete  a  class  when  necessary.  Pro.  1871, 
p.  36.    Pro.  1874,  p.  61.     Pro.  1886,  pp.  42,  46. 


Royal  and  Select  Master — Degrees  Of. 

1.  In  1844,  Chapters  were  permitted  to  confer  the  degrees 
of  Royal  Master  and  Select  Master  after  the  Royal  Arch,  in 
States  where  no  Grand  Council  existed.  Pro.  1829.  Pro.  1844- 
Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  96.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  198.  But  see  Pro. 
1850.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  281. 

2.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  has  no  jurisdiction  over  the 
degrees  of  Royal  Master  and  Select  Master,  and  it  is  inex- 
pedient for  the  General  Grand  Chapter  to  take  any  action  con- 
cerning them.  Pro.  1850.  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  281.  Pro.  1880, 
p.  71. 

3.  It  is  not  competent  for  the  General  Grand  Chapter  to 
take  any  action  on  the  subject  of  forming  a  Grand  Council 
of  Royal  and  Select  Masters.     Pro.  1853,  p.  317. 

4.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  has  no  jurisdiction  over  the 
degrees  of  Royal  and  Select  Master,  and  will  not  entertain 
questions  on  matters  growing  out  of  the  government  or  work- 
ing of  them.  Pro.  1850*  Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  281.  Pro.  1853. 
Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  317.    Pro.  1880,  p.  71.    Pro.  1889,  p.  81. 

5.  A  Chapter  under  dispensation,  claiming  jurisdiction 
over  the  degrees  of  Royal  and  Select  Master,  is  not  entitled 
to  a  charter.     Pro.  1853,  p.  320. 

6.  To  query,  in  substance,  by  a  Grand  High  Priest, 
whether  his  Grand  Chapter  was  doing  right  in  exercising 
jurisdiction  over  the  degrees  of  Royal  and  Select  Masters, 
I  replied : 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.   <  61 

fl"I  do  not  feel  at  liberty  to  express  an  opinion  other  than 
may  be  inferred  from  the  legislation  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter  on  the  subject,  as  published  in  its  transactions,  1853, 
Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  317;  Pro.  1830,  p.  71;  Pro.  1889,  pp.  31,  81. 

"I  may  add,  however,  that  I  would  that  every  Grand  Chap- 
ter now  exercising-  control  over  the  Cryptic  Degrees  would 
prohibit  the  conferring  of  any  degrees,  by  their  Subordinates, 
other  than  Mark  Master,  Past  Master,  Most  Excellent  Master 
and  Royal  Arch,  as  did  Maryland  in  1872. 

"There  are  now  thirty-five  State  Grand  Councils  in  the 
United  States,  besides  Grand  Councils  in  Canada,  New  Bruns- 
wick and  England.  Twenty-two  of  the  State  Grand  Councils 
are  constituents  of  the  General  Grand  Council. 

"I  have  long  wondered  why  your  State  does  not  concede  to 
the  great  majority  correctness  of  conclusion  as  to  the  best 
interests  of  the  Cryptic  Rite,  and  join  therewith  in  the  ad- 
vancement of  those  interests,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  as  she 
always  has  so  notably  done  in  the  other  branches  of  Masonrv." 
McCahan,  G.\  G.\  H.\  P:. 

The  Committee  on  Jurisprudence,  in  their  report,  which 
was  adopted  by  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  says : 

We  concur  in  the  views  expressed  in  the  opinion  emphasiz- 
ing the  fact  that  the  latter  is  to  be  regarded  merely  as  an 
opinion  as  to  the  best  form  of  government  of  the  Royal  and 
Select  Master's  degrees,  and  not  to  be  held  as  a  precedent  for 
the  government  of  those  Grand  Chapters  which  authorize  the 
conferring  of  those  degrees  by  their  Chapters.  Your  Com- 
mittee do  not  understand  that  any  change  in  the  policy  of  the 
General  Grand  Chapter  heretofore  prevailing  in  regard  to  these 
degrees  is  suggested,  and  agree  that  it  should  continue  to 
decline  to  exercise  any  jurisdiction  over  them.  Pro.  1897,  pp. 
43,  173. 


62  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF   THE 

Side  Degrees. 

No  Royal  Arch  Mason  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Gen- 
eral Grand  Chapter  is  permitted  to  confer  any  degree  not  recog- 
nized as  a  constitutional  degree  by  the  General  Grand  Chap- 
ter, nor  to  establish  any  society  of  Masons  not  recognized  as  a 
constitutional  body.     Pro.  1826.     Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  87. 

Substitutes. 

1.  A  resolution  ordering  "literal  construction"  was  laid  on 
the  table  in  1847.     Pro.  1847.     Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  226. 

2.  The  use  of  substitutes  is  not  a  violation  of  the  ritual  or 
of  the  installation  charges  delivered  to  a  High  Priest ;  but  they 
should  be  used  only  to  complete  a  class  when  necessary.  Pro. 
1871,  p.  36.    Pro.  1874,  p.  61.    Pro.  1886,  pp.  42,  46. 

3.  The  action  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  with  refer- 
ence to  substitutes  is  not  mandatory  but  permissive.  Grand 
Chapters  may  permit  or  prohibit  their  use.    Pro.  1874,  p.  25. 

4.  Substitutes  can  be  used  to  complete  a  class  of  three  in 
the  Royal  Arch  degree  whenever  the  necessities  of  the  work 
require  it.  Such  substitute  should  be  prepared  as  though  he 
were  a  bona  fide  candidate.  Pro.  1871,  p.  36.  Pro.  1874,  p.  61. 
Pro.   1886,  pp.  42,  46. 

Summons. 

1.  When  a  summons  has  been  issued  by  vote  of  the  Chap- 
ter and  a  Companion  has  failed  to  appear  in  obedience  thereto, 
it  is  proper  for  the  Chapter  to  order  that  notice  be  given  to 
the  Companion  to  appear  in  the  Chapter  at  some  time,  which 
should  be  stated,  and  show  cause  why  charges  should  not  be 
preferred  against  him  for  disobeying  the  summons.  Pro.  1894, 
p.   129.  -w 

2.  A  Chapter  may  be  dissolved  by  the  vote  of  a  majority 
of  its  members.  The  membership  of  such  Chapter  need  not 
be  summoned,  in  the  Masonic  sense  of  the  term,  so  long  as 
those  within  reach  have  been  notified  of  the  proposed  meeting 
at  which  the  question  is  to  be  taken  under  consideration.  Pro. 
1906,  p.  124. 


GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER.  63 

Suspension. 

The  effect  of  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  of  a  mem- 
ber of  a  Chapter  by  his  Lodge  must  be  determined  by  the  laws 
of  the  Grand  Lodge.  If  its  effect  is  suspension  from  member- 
ship only,  his  standing  in  his  Chapter  is  not  affected,  but  if  it 
is  from  all  Masonic  rights,  he  loses  his  standing  as  a  Royal 
Arch  Mason.    Pro.  1850,  p.  269.    Pro.  1874,  pp.  25,  26. 

See  Dues,  2. 

Titles. 

See  Rank. 

Treasurer. 

See  Officers,  2,  4;  Rank,  1. 

Vacancy. 

1.  The  King  of  a  chartered  Chapter  who  permanently 
removes  to  another  jurisdiction  does  not  thereby  create  a 
vacancy,  which  permits  or  requires  the  election  of  a  successor 
during  the  term  for  which  he  was  installed.    Pro.  1912,  p.  43. 

2.  High  Priests  of  Chapters  U.\  D.\  who  permanently  re- 
move to  other  jurisdictions  do  not  thereby  vacate  their  office, 
so  as  to  create  a  vacancy.  In  such  cases  the  King  performs 
the  duties  of  High  Priest.     Pro.  1912,  p.  43. 

Votes. 

1.  An  officer  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  who  is  at  the 
same  time  an  officer  of  a  State  Grand  Chapter  is  entitled  to 
two  votes  in  the  General  Grand  Chapter  by  virtue  of  the  said 
offices.    Pro.  1826.    Reprint  of  Pro*,  p.  84. 

2.  When  a  time  is  fixed  for  the  election  of  officers  of  the 
General  Grand  Chapter  it  is  not  regular  to  hold  the  election  at 
any  other  time,  without  reconsidering  the  vote  establishing  the 
time.     Pro.  1850.     Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  260. 

See  Ballot. 


64  DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS    OF    THE 

Work. 

1.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  first  four  officers  of  the  General 
Grand  Chapter  to  perfect  themselves  in  the  work  of  the  de- 
grees, and  to  prescribe  the  mode  of  work  for  the  Subordinate 
Chapters.    Pro.  1826.    Reprint  of  Pro.,  p.  81 ;  Cons.,  Sec.  17. 

2.  Dependent  Lodges  cannot  be  declared  opened  or  closed. 
Chapters  are  not  called  from  labor  to  refreshment  until  the 
next  regular  Convocation,  nor  do  they  call  to  refreshment  for 
the  purpose  of  changing  from  one  degree  to  another.  They 
dispense  with  and  resume  labor.    Pro.  1877,  p.  93. 

See  Degrees,  1,  2,  3,  4;  Lodge;  Substitutes;  Ritual,  4.  5. 


INDEX 


CONSTITUTION— 

Name    3 

Of  Whom  Composed 3 

Meetings    4 

Powers   5 

Elections    6 

Committees 7 

Duties  of  Officers   7 

New  Chapters    11 

Duties  of  the  General  Grand  Council 11 

Miscellaneous  11 

Degrees    12 

Fees  and  Dues  , 12 

Appeals   12 

Grand  Chapters 12 

Of  Whom  Composed 13 

Meetings   14 

Elections    14 

Voting   14 

Powers 14 

Duties  of  Officers   15 

Revenue   , 15 

Miscellaneous 15 

Subordinate  Chapters 16 

Rejected  Candidates 18 

Quorum    13 

Amendments 18 

STANDING  REGULATIONS  19 

UNIFORM     CODE    OF    BY-LAWS    RECOMMENDED    FOR 

CHAPTERS  UNDER  GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER. ...  20 

DIGEST  OF  THE  DECISIONS  OF  THE  GENERAL  GRAND 
CHAPTER  OF  ROYAL  ARCH  MASONS  OF  THE 
UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA— 

Affiliation 23 

Altar   24 

Appeal   24 

Ballot 24 


66  INDEX 

By-Laws   25 

Candidates    25 

Certificates  27 

Chapters     27 

Chapters  Under  Dispensation  28 

Charges   30 

Charters  and  Dispensations    30 

Clothing    32 

Committees 32 

Degrees   33 

Dimit 3G 

Diplomas    37 

Discipline    37 

Dispensation  38 

Dues    38 

Educational    Institutions    39 

Expulsion    39 

Fees  and  Dues  39 

Funerals  40 

General  Grand  Chapter  40 

General  Grand  High   Priest 43 

Grand  Chapters   44 

Grand  High  Priests   • 46 

Great  Lights   47 

Healed    47 

High  Priests 47 

High  Priesthood  47 

"Holy  Royal  Arch" 48 

Installation    48 

Jurisdiction    48 

Lecturer    49 

Lodge    50 

Meetings   50 

Membership   51 

Minutes   51 

Objection 52 

Officers 54 

Past  High  Priests   54 

Past   Masters    55 

Physical  Qualifications   55 


INDEX  67 

Proxy 55 

Quorum 56 

Rank   , 57 

Residence    58 

Restoration   58 

Reversal   59 

Ritual    59 

Royal  Arch  Degree   60 

Royal  and  Select  Master — Degrees  of 60 

Side  Degrees    62 

Substitutes    62 

Summons 62 

Suspension    63 

Titles   63 

Treasurer    63 

Vacancy   63 

Votes    63 

Work    64 


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